ABBATH SCHOOL LESSON
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QWER OF THE BLOOD OF JESU
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Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 233, July-September, 1953. 15 cents a single copy, 50 cents
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Copyright, 1953,
by Pacific Press Publishing
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Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
THE POWER OF THE BLOOD OF JESUS
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Like a golden thread running through the
Bible from Genesis to Revelation is the story
of atonement in type and antitype, and all
that it accomplishes for humanity in salva-
tion from sin. The story begins before the
foundations of the world were laid and con-
tinues through the history of the creation
and fall of man, through patriarchs, proph-
ets, and kings,—th rough the old dispensa-
tion,—and reaches the fullness of its revela-
tion in the life, death, and resurrection of
our Lord. It is the central theme of the
apostles, and is the very heart of Christ's
ministry in the heavenly sanctuary.
The marks of the nails in His hands will
remain as the eternal testimony to the won-
derful power of the blood of Jesus to save
to the uttermost. This will be the subject of
our Sabbath-school lessons this quarter. It
is an inexhaustible theme, and affords room
for study and meditation far beyond the
scope of these few brief lessons. Never will
we fathom it fully. It will be the science and
the song of the redeemed throughout eter-
nity. Always will there be, as we study the
wondrous story, new glimpses of His love
and a larger understanding of the purposes
of God in the gift of His only-begotten Son
who died on Calvary for lost humanity. Our
highest joy throughout eternity will ever be
to learn more and more of "the riches of the
glory of this mystery"—the power and effi-
cacy of the blood of Jesus in our eternal sal-
vation.
Lesson 1, for July 4, 1953
Sacrificial Blood in the Plan of Redemption (Before Sinai)
MEMORY VERSE:
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten
Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting
life." John 3:16.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 19-26; "Patriarchs and Prophets,"
chapters 5, 13, 24.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Following the outline, survey the
entire lesson.
2.
Key Words; Introduction; Ques. 1-3.
3.
Ques. 4-7.
4.
Ques. 8-11; read "The Desire of
Ages," pp. 19-22.
5.
Ques. 12-14; read "The Desire of
Ages," pp. 23-26.
6.
Read from "Patriarchs and Proph-
ets."
7.
Review the entire lesson.
[ 3 ]
Lesson Outline:
Introduction: The Purpose of Sacrificial
Offerings
I. The Plan of Redemption, the Great
Mystery of God
1.
Laid before the foundation of the
world.
2.
Became operative when sin en-
tered.
3.
Announced to men and angels.
II. Patriarchs Understood the Atone-
ment
1.
Plan of offerings introduced.
2.
All-inclusive terms of covenant re-
vealed to Noah and Abraham.
Ill. The Passover, a Revelation of the
Blood of the Covenant
1.
The angel "passed over" when he
saw the blood.
2.
Passover a constant reminder of
deliverance from Egypt and of
the coming Redeemer.
Conclusion: Salvation Under the New
Covenant
Key Words:
1.
Sacrificial blood.
This expression
refers to the sacrificial offerings that were
ordained of God as a type of the vicarious
sacrifice of our Saviour. They were to be
a constant reminder that the wages of sin
is death, and that only through the blood
of the promised Saviour could there be any
hope for sinners.
2.
Mystery.
The plan of salvation,, kept
secret through the eternal ages, is called a
mystery, for it was not fully understood
until revealed through the teachings of Je-
sus, and its full meaning made apparent
through the cross.
3.
Atonement.
The word refers to the
saving or redeeming work of Christ wrought
through His incarnation, sufferings, and
death. It also refers to the special day of
reckoning and cleansing on the tenth day
of the seventh month of the Jewish year,
when the Lord's goat was slain as a sacri-
fice for the sins of Israel. See Lesson 2.
4.
Covenant.
There are many refer-
ences to covenants or agreements in Scrip-
ture, some between men and men, some
between God and men; but the eternal
covenant of peace was between God the
Father and His Son Jesus Christ. The Fa-
ther gave His only-begotten Son, and
Christ offered Himself as a ransom for
lost men. This is the eternal covenant of
salvation in which man was not a partici-
pant but a beneficiary, and which led to
the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary for our
redemption.
THE LESSON
blood of the spotless Lamb of God. This
scene gave him a deeper and more vivid
sense of the greatness of his transgression,
which nothing but the death of God's dear
Sop could expiate. And he marveled at the
infinite goodness that would give such a
ransom to save the guilty. A star of hope
illumined the dark and terrible future, and
relieved it of its utter desolation."—Patri-
archs
and Prophets,
page 68.
The Plan of Redemption, the
Great Mystery of God
1. How far back in God's planning
for this world does the plan of re-
demption extend? Rev. 13:8; Rom.
16:25, R.V.
[41
Introduction
The Purpose of the Sacrificial Offerings:
"The sacrificial offerings were ordained by
God to be to man a perpetual reminder
and a penitential acknowledgment of his
sin, and a confession of his faith in the
promised Redeemer. They were intended
to impress upon the fallen race the solemn
truth that it was sin that caused death. To
Adam, the offering of the first sacrifice was
a most painful ceremony. His hand must
be raised to take life, which only God
could give. It was the first time he had
ever witnessed death, and he knew that
had he been obedient to God, there would
have been no death of man or beast. As
he slew the innocent victim, he trembled at
the thought that his sin must shed the
ABEL SAW CHRIST AS HIS
SACRIFICE FOR SIN.
NOTE.—"The plan for our redemption
was not an afterthought, a plan formulated
after the fall of Adam. It was a revelation
of 'the mystery which hath been kept in
silence through times eternal.' Rom. 16:25,
R.V. It was an unfolding of the principles
that from eternal ages have been the foun-
dation of God's throne. From the begin-
ning, God and Christ knew of the apostasy
of Satan, and of the fall of man through
the deceptive power of the apostate. God
did not ordain that sin should exist, but He
foresaw its existence, and made provision
to meet the terrible emergency. So great
was His love for the world, that He cove-
nanted to give His only-begotten Son, 'that
whosoever believeth in Him should not
perish, but have everlasting life.'
"—The
Desire of Ages,
page 22.
2. After the fall of man, how was
this agreement for the salvation of the
race effected? Heb. 9:14; John 3:16;
Titus 2:14.
NoTE.—"The Godhead was stirred with
pity for the race, and the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Spirit gave Themselves to
the working out of the plan of redemption.
In order fully to carry out this plan, it was
decided that Christ, the only-begotten Son
of God, should give Himself an offering
for sin. What line can measure the depth
of this love? God would make it impos-
sible for man to say that He could have
done more. With Christ He gave all the
resources of heaven, that nothing might be
wanting in the plan for man's uplifting.
Here is love—the contemplation of which
should fill the soul with inexpressible grati-
tude ! Oh, what love, what matchless love !
The contemplation of this love will cleanse
the soul from all selfishness. It will lead
the disciple to deny self, take up the cross,
and follow the Redeemer."—Counsels
on
Health,
pages 222,. 223.
3.
What was the first intimation
to men of the plan of redemption
through the sacrifice of Christ? Gen.
3:15.
NOTE.—"Heavenly angels more fully
opened to our first parents the plan that
had been devised for their salvation. Adam
and his companion were assured that not-
withstanding their great sin, they were not
to be, abandoned to the control of Satan.
The Son of God had offered to atone, with
His own life, for their transgression. A
period of probation would be granted them,
and through repentance,
and faith in
Christ, they might again become the chil-
dren of
God."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 66.
The Patriarchs Understood the
Atonement
4.
In the first record of offerings
made to God by man, which was ac-
ceptable to Him, and why? Gen. 4:
3-5; Heb. 11:4.
NOTE.—"Abel grasped the great princi-
ples of redemption. He saw himself a sin-
ner, and he saw sin, and its penalty death,
standing between his soul and communion
with God. He brought the slain victim, the
sacrificed life, thus acknowledging the
claims of the law that had been trans-
gressed. Through the shed blood he looked
to the future sacrifice, Christ dying on the
cross of Calvary; and trusting in the atone-
ment that was there to be made, he had
the witness that he was righteous,. and his
offering
accepted."—Patriarchs and Proph-
ets,
page 72.
[ 5 ]
5.
What was Noah's first act upon
leaving the ark? What was the Lord's
response? Gen. 8:20-22.
6.
How was the divine truth of the
atoning blood brought tragically
home to Abraham when Isaac was
nearly grown? Gen. 22:2-13; Heb. 11:
17-19.
NorE.—"It had been difficult even for
the angels to grasp the mystery of redemp-
tion,—to comprehend that the Commander
of heaven, the Son of God, must die for
guilty man. When the command was given
to Abraham to offer up his son, the inter-
est of all heavenly beings was enlisted.
With intense earnestness they watched
each step in the fulfillment of this com-
mand. When to Isaac's question, 'Where is
the lamb for a burnt offering?' Abraham
made answer, 'God will provide Himself
a lamb;' and when the father's hand was
stayed as he was about to slay his son,
and the ram which God had provided was
offered in the place of Isaac,—then light
was shed upon the mystery of redemption,
and even the angels understood more
clearly the wonderful provision that God
had made for man's salvation."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 155.
7.
What were the terms of the
covenant as reaffirmed to Abraham?
Who, then, are the true children of
Abraham? Gen. 22:16-18; Gal. 3:6-9,
16, 29.
The Passover—the Blood a
Saving Token
8.
Where and under what circum-
stances did God institute the Passover
festival among the Israelites? Ex. 12:
1-10.
9.
When the angel of the Lord
passed through the land of Egypt to
smite the first-born, by what token
was Israel identified and spared? Ex.
12:1,1-13.
Nora.—The Lord "passed through" the
land in judgment; but the "passing over"
was in mercy. In both of these the work
of Christ is typified; the one in the execu-
tive judgment in the last day, the other in
His atoning death on Calvary. The execu-
tion of the sentence of death could be
averted only by the application of the
blood. Here is the deep, mysterious mean-
ing of the Passover that was not fully un-
derstood until fifteen hundred years later,
when Christ, "our Passover," was slain as
the Lamb without blemish for the sins of
the world.
10.
What specific instruction did
the Lord give as to the application of
the blood and with what result? How
is Christ revealed in the Passover? Ex.
12:21-23; 1 Cor. 5:7, last part.
NOTE.—"This blood is not only the cen-
tral idea of this [the Passover], but of all
the revelations of God. . . Is man re-
deemed? It is because 'we have redemp-
tion through His blood' . . . Are these
justified? 'Being justified by His blood.'
Are these cleansed and made holy? 'His
blood cleanseth from all sin' . . . Are they
arrayed in spotless robes to appear at the
court of the Great King
? 'They have
washed their robes and made them white
in the blood of the Lamb' Are sinners cast
off at last to eternal death? It is. because
`they have trampled underfoot the blood of
the Son of God' Thus in the gospel reve-
lations, all mercy, compassion, and grace
of God, have their ground in that blood."—
Stuart Robinson, in Butler's
Bible-Work,
vol.
1, pp. 632, 633.
11.
When the people had received
the instruction from God, what did
they do? How was their faith re-
warded? Ex. 12:27 (last part), 32.
NoTE.—"By obedience the people were
to give evidence of their faith. So all who
hope to be saved by the merits of the blood
[ 6 ]
of Christ should realize that they them-
selves have something to do in securing
their salvation. While it is Christ only that
can redeem us from the penalty of trans-
gression, we are to turn from sin to obedi-
ence. Man is to be saved by faith, not by
works; yet his faith must be shown by his
works."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page
279.
12.
For how long and where were
Israel to observe the Passover? What
instruction were they to give to their
children? Ex. 12:24-27.
13.
After many years when sin had
separated the children of Israel from
God, how did Hezekiah lead the peo-
ple back to God? What was the re-
sult? 2 Chron.
30:5, 13-16, 26, 27.
Nozz.—"The occasion was one of the
greatest profit to the multitudes assembled.
The desecrated streets of the city were
cleared of the idolatrous shrines placed
there during the reign of Ahaz. On the ap-
pointed day the Passover was observed;
and the week was spent by the people in
offering peace offerings, and in learning
what God would have them do. Daily the
Levites 'taught the good knowledge of the
Lord;' and those who had prepared their
hearts to seek God, found pardon."—
Prophets and Kings,
page 337.
.
New-Covenant Promise
14.
What was necessary to make
effective the sacrifice of the first cove-
nant? Heb. 9:14,
15.
NOTE.-"A
solemn statement was made
to ancient Israel that the man who should
remain unclean and refuse to purify him-
self should be cut off from among the con-
gregation. This has a special meaning for
us. If it was necessary in ancient times for
the unclean to be purified by the blood of
sprinkling, how essential for those living in
the perils of the last days, and exposed to
the temptations of Satan, to have the blood
of Christ applied to their hearts daily. Tor
if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the
ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean,
sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
how much more shall the blood of Christ,
who through the eternal Spirit offered
Himself without spot to God, purge your
conscience from dead works to serve the
living God?'
"—Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 123.
Lesson 2, for July 11, 1953
The Sacrificial Blood in the History of Israel
MEMORY VERSE:
"And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled
it on the people, and
said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord hath made with
you concerning all these words." Ex. 24:8.
STUDY HELP:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," chapters 27 and 30.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Following the outline, survey the
5. Ques. 13,
14;
read "Patriarchs and
entire lesson.
-Prophets," chapter 27.
2.
Key Words; Introduction; Ques. 1-3. 6. Read "Patriarchs and Prophets,"
3.
Ques. 4-8.
chapter 30.
4.
Ques. 9-12.
7. Review the entire lesson.
7
Lesson Outline:
Introduction: Purpose of the Sanctuary
Service
I. The Covenant Experience at Sinai
1.
The covenant ratified.
2.
The covenant broken, but renewed
with mercy and grace added.
II. The Sanctuary Service and Sacrifi-
cial Offerings
1.
Consecration services for vessels
and priesthood by blood.
2.
Day-by-day offerings symbolized
atoning blood of Christ.
3.
Individual offerings were shadows
"of good things to come."
III. The Day of Atonement
1.
A day of prayer, confession, and
cleansing.
2.
The two goats selected.
3.
The Lord's goat slain to make
atonement.
4.
The scapegoat typical of Satan.
Conclusion: Christ's Ministry in Heaven
Key Words:
1.
Covenant of obedience.
This agree-
ment entered into at Sinai was a covenant
between the children of Israel and God, in
which Israel promised to obey all the laws
of God, and God promised to be their
God and Leader and bring them to the
Promised Land. This covenant was de-
pendent upon the obedience of Israel and
was soon broken.
2.
Sanctuary.
The building erected by
Moses in the wilderness, also called the
tabernacle, in which were performed the
daily and yearly services of the ceremonial
law. It contained two main apartments,
the holy and most holy, which were sepa-
rated by a veil, and was built after the
pattern shown Moses in Mount Sinai.
3.
Scapegoat.
One of the two goats
chosen for a part in the Day of Atonement
services. The scapegoat was not offered,
but when the sins were transferred to its
head by the high priest, it was led into the
wilderness bearing the sins of Israel. The
scapegoat thus represents Satan and the
guilt he bears for causing God's people to
sin.
THE LESSON
Introduction
Purpose of Sanctuary Service:
At Sinai,
after the children of Israel had promised
obedience, and had agreed to enter into a
solemn covenant with God to keep His
laws and be obedient to all that He had
said, God deemed it necessary to preserve
the memory of these transactions, and to
confirm the covenant by a solemn cere-
mony. This, service is the subject of the
first part of this lesson. It should be noted
that the ratification of the covenant called
for the shedding and sprinkling of blood.
The people, in promising "All that the
Lord hath said will we do, and be obedi-
ent," entered into this covenant willingly,
while Jehovah on His part engaged Him-
self to Israel to be their God, their King,
and Protector, and to fulfill to them all the
promises He had made to their fathers.
The sanctuary services, which were set
up following the tragic experience of idola-
try at Sinai, all centered in the offering of
blood. Thus in every one of these cere-
monies, including the great Day of Atone-
ment, were to be found types and shadows
pointing forward to the final atonement of
Christ, "by the which will we are sancti-
fied through the offering of the body of
Jesus Christ once for all." Heb. 10:10.
The Covenant at Sinai
1. When the children of Israel
were camped at Sinai, what solemn
covenant was entered into between
God and His chosen people? What
was the basis of the covenant? How
was it ratified? Ex. 24:3-8; Heb. 9:
18-20.
NorE.—This, it would seem, was a cove-
nant of obedience only. It was ratified by
blood. Half of the blood was sprinkled on
[
8]
"THE BLOOD OF JESUS
...CLEANSETH US
FROM ALL SIN."
the altar, representing God's concurrence
in the covenant, and half of it was sprin-
kled on the people, showing that both God
and they were mutually bound by its terms.
However, the people did not realize their
own sinfulness, nor their inability to keep
the covenant promise in their own strength.
God must teach them a lesson that with-
ont Christ and His atoning blood there
could be no power to obey, nor pardon for
disobedience.
2.
How and when were these cove-
nant promises completely broken,
and with what result? Ex. 32:1-10.
3.
As a ',result of Moses' interces-
sion, what gracious provisions for
mercy were made? Ex. 34:1, 4-10, 27,
28.
NoTa.—"They had witnessed the proc-
lamation of the law in awful majesty, and
had trembled with terror before the mount;
and yet only a few weeks passed before
they broke their covenant with God, and
bowed down to worship a graven image.
They could not hope for the favor of God
through a covenant which they had broken;
and now, seeing their sinfulness and their
need of pardon, they were brought to feel
their need of the Saviour revealed in the
Abrahamic covenant, and shadowed forth
in the sacrificial offerings. Now by faith
and love they were bound to God as their
deliverer from the bondage of sin. Now
they were prepared to appreciate the bless-
ings of the new covenant."—P
atriarchs and
Prophets,
page 372:
The new covenant was also based on the
law of God; it also required absolute obedi-
ence, but provision of pardon was added
as revealed in the sacrificial offerings.
The Sanctuary and Sacrificial
Offerings
4.
What command was given im-
mediately after the covenant experi-
ence at Sinai? Who planned all the
details of the sanctuary and its serv-
ices? Ex. 25:8, 9, 40; Heb. 9:1-5.
Nom.—"In the sacrificial offering on
every altar was seen a Redeemer. With the
cloud of incense arose from every contrite
heart the prayer that God would accept
their offerings as showing faith in the com-
ing Saviour. Our Saviour has come and
shed His blood as a sacrifice, and now He
pleads that blood before His Father in the
sanctuary in heaven. It is now, as an-
ciently, only through the merits of that
blood that the transgressor of God's law
can find pardon. It is by exercising re-
pentance toward God and faith in our Lord
Jesus Christ."—Ellen G. White,
Review and
Herald,
March 2, 1886.
5.
How was the sanctuary and all
its vessels consecrated to God's serv-
ice? What was the method of conse-
crating Aaron and his sons to the
priesthood? Heb. 9:21, 22; Lev. 8:
10-15, 22-24, 30.
NOTE.—God gave instruction concern-
ing the minutest details dealing with the
arrangement and the consecration of the
divine service of the sanctuary. But notice
that the offering of blood became the cen-
ter of it all. Aaron as high priest was to
wear holy garments made under divine in-
struction. These priestly vestments, to-
gether with his breastplate and his miter,
[9
]
were to impress the beholder with a sense
of the holiness of God whose representa-
tive Aaron was in his priestly office. But
that which sanctified Aaron, and. set him
apart as high priest of Israel to minister in
things pertaining to sin and forgiveness,
was not the holy garments but the blood.
"Without shedding of blood is no remis-
sion" (Heb. 9:22), and as mediator for
Israel, Aaron was a type of Christ, our
High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary.
6.
What offering was made "day
by day continually"? What was this
offering to teach the children of Is-
rael? Ex. 29:38-41, 45, 46; Ps. 141:2.
NOTE.—"Every morning and evening a
lamb of a year old was burned upon the
altar, with its appropriate meat offering,
thus symbolizing the daily consecration of
the nation to Jehovah, and their constant
dependence upon the atoning blood of
Christ."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page
352.
7.
How was atonement for the sin
of an individual made in the sanctu-
ary service? Lev. 4:27-35.
NorE.—"The most important part of the
daily ministration was the service per-
formed in behalf of individuals. . . . By
this ceremony the sin was, through the
blood, transferred in figure to the sanctu-
ary. In some cases the blood was not
taken into the holy place; but the flesh
was then to be eaten by the priest, as
Moses directed the sons of Aaron, saying,
`God hath given it you to bear the iniquity
of the congregation.' Both ceremonies alike
symbolized the transfer of the sin from the
penitent to the sanctuary."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 354.
8.
In the service of the sanctuary,
what other individual offerings were
required? Lev. 5:5, 6; 6:4-7.
Nors.—Time does not permit a study of
all the offerings. These are summarized in
Leviticus 7:37, 38.
"The sprinkling of the blood,
varied with
the sacrifice, was always a bringing of
blood in contact with the altar, and thus
before Jehovah. . . . 'For the life of the
flesh is in the blood: and I [the Lord]
have given it to you upon the altar to be
an atonement for your souls.' [Lev. 17:
10, 11.] In other words, the blood or life
of an animal [representing the atoning
blood of Christ] has been graciously ac-
cepted by Jehovah as a valid substitution
for the life or blood of the sinful offerer."
—J. G. Butler,
The Bible-Work,
vol. 2, p.
361.
"The rivers of blood that flowed at the
harvest thanksgiving, when sacrifices were
offered in such large numbers, were meant
to teach a great truth. For even the pro-
ductions of the earth, the bounties pro-
vided for man's sustenance, we are in-
debted to the offering of Christ upon the
cross of Calvary. God teaches us that all
we receive from Him is the gift of redeem-
ing love."—Ellen G. White,
Review and
Herald,
Feb. 4, 1902.
.The Day of Atonement
9.
What explicit instruction is
given concerning the Day of Atone-
ment? What were the people to do?
How many were to be included in
this cleansing service? Lev. 16:29-34.
NcrrE.—"Not only the sanctuary itself,
but the ministration of the priests, was to
`serve unto the example and shadow of
heavenly things.' Thus it was of great
importance; and the Lord, through Moses,
gave the most definite and explicit instruc-
tion concerning every point of this typical
service. The ministration of the sanctuary
consisted of two divisions, a daily and a
yearly service. The daily service was per-
formed at the altar of burnt offering in the
court of the tabernacle, and in the holy
place; while the yearly service was in the
most
holy."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages 351, 352.
10.
What were the offerings se-
lected for this special service? How
was Aaron to be purified before go-
ing into the most holy place? Lev.
16:3-6, 11-14.
[ 10 ]
11. What was to be done with the
goat on which the Lord's lot fell?
How fully was atonement made for
the sins of Israel? Lev. 16:9, 15-19;
Heb. 9:7.
Christ's Ministry in Heaven
13. How were the services of the
Day of Atonement a type of Christ's
ministry? What did the final dispo-
sition of the scapegoat typify? Heb.
9:24-28; Rev. 20:2, 8-10.
14. What comforting assurance is
12. What part did the scapegoat thus vouchsafed to those who look
have in this service? What was done for Christ's second appearing? Heb.
with him? Lev. 16:10, 20-22.
9:28.
Lesson 3, for July 18, 1953
The Cross in Prophecy and in the Teachings of Christ
MEMORY VERSE: "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised
for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with
His stripes 'we are healed." Is°. 53:5.
STUDY HELP: "The Desire of Ages," chapters 23, 45, 72.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT,
1.
Following the outline, survey the
entire lesson.
2.
Key Words; Introduction; Ques. 1-3.
3.
Ques. 4-7.
4.
Ques. 8-11.
5.
Ques. 12, 13; read from "The Desire
of Ages."
6.
Read further from "The Desire of
Ages."
7.
Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction: The Fullness of Time
I. Prophecies of the Cross
1.
.
Isaiah
and other prophets predicted
Christ's sufferings.
2.
The results of salvation foretold.
3.
The exact time prophesied when
Messiah should be cut off.
II. The Cross in Christ's Teachings
1.
Christ's prophecy of the cross.
2.
Christ's teachings on self-denial,
the good shepherd, et cetera.
III. The Lord's Supper
1.
The bread and the wine and their
meaning.
2. The Communion, a pledge of
Christ's return.
Conclusion: The Meaning of the Cross
Key Words:
1.
Propitiatory sacrifice.
The atoning
sacrifice of Christ on Calvary in which a
reconciliation is effected between God and
man, wherein God's justice is satisfied, and
His mercy is extended to the repentant
sinner.
2.
Communion service.
The celebra-
tion of the Lord's Supper, at which time
the consecrated emblems are distributed to,
and consumed by, the church members. It
is so named because it is a time of precious
spiritual intercourse between those of a
common faith.
THE LESSON
Introduction
The Fullness of Time:
"When the full-
ness of the time was come, God sent forth
His Son, . . . to redeem them that were
under the law, that we might receive the
adoption of sons." Gal. 4:4, 5.
The Saviour's coming was foretold by
patriarchs and prophets down through the
ages. His sacrifice and the shedding of His
blood were revealed in every offering that
was slain. The prophecy of Daniel fore-
told the exact time of His crucifixion. But
with the passing of the centuries the peo-
ple had almost lost hope. They exclaimed,
"The days are prolonged, and every vision
faileth." Ezek. 12:22. Finally, when He
came they failed to recognize Him. Even
His disciples failed to grasp the purpose of
His mission, and refused to believe His
plain utterances concerning His coming pas-
sion. Not until after the cross was its pur-
pose clearly understood. Then the blood of
Jesus became the burden of their message
in presenting a crucified, risen, and soon-
coming Saviour to the world.
Prophecies of the Cross
1.
How fully did Isaiah predict
the sufferings of Christ? What was
the cause of His wounds? How would
we benefit from His sacrifice? Isa. 53:
3-8.
2.
What was Christ's offering to
be? What would be the final result
of His sacrifice? Isa. 53:10-12.
NOTE.—The
fifty-third chapter of Isaiah
is without doubt the clearest prophecy in
the Old Testament of the Saviour's suffer-
ings. It reads more like history than a
prophecy. Its application cannot be mis-
taken. In words as plain as language can
convey, it lifts the veil that covered many
of the Jewish ceremonies and types, and
gives a meaning to the great propitiatory
sacrifice of our Lord whereby our salva-
tion has been assured. Matthew (8:17)
THE LORD'S SUPPER POINTS SACK TO
CALVARY AND LOOKS FORWARD TO EHRISTb RETURN.
and Peter (1 Peter 2:24) recognized this
prophecy as applying to Christ. It was this
prophecy which the eunuch was reading
when Philip joined him, and it is said that
Philip "began at the same scripture, and
preached unto him Jesus." Acts 8:35.
3.
How does the psalmist describe
the manner of Christ's death? What
was prophesied concerning His gar-
ments? Ps. 22:16, 18. See Zech. 12:10.
NOTE.—"The very manner of His death
is described, though never in use among the
Jews.
'They pierced My hands and my
feet,'
which were nailed to the accursed
tree, . . . the effect of which must needs
be the most exquisite pain and torture.
There is no one passage in all the Old Tes-
tament which the Jews have so industri-
ously corrupted as this, because it is such
an eminent prediction of the death of Christ
and was so exactly fulfilled."—Matthew
Henry,
An Exposition of the Old and New
Testament,
vol. 4, p. 79.
4.
How definitely was the time of
the Messiah's coming foretold by
Daniel? What would cease with the
cutting off of the Messiah? Dan. 9:
25-27.
[ 12 7
NOTE.—"The commandment to restore
and build Jerusalem, as completed by the
decree of Artaxerxes Longimanus (see Ezra
6:14; 7:1, 9, margin), went into effect in
the autumn of B.c. 457. From this time
four hundred and eighty-three years extend
to the autumn of A.D. 27. According to the
prophecy, this period was to reach to the
Messiah, the Anointed One. In A.D. 27, Je-
sus at His baptism received the anointing
of the Holy Spirit, and soon afterward be-
gan His ministry. Then the message was
proclaimed, 'The time is fulfilled.' . . .
"'In the midst of the week He shall
cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease.'
Dan. 9:27. In the spring of A.D. 31, Christ
the true sacrifice was offered on Calvary.
Then the veil of the temple was rent in
twain, showing that the sacredness and sig-
nificance of the sacrificial service had
departed. The time had come for the
earthly sacrifice and oblation to cease."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 233.
The Cross in Christ's Teachings
5.
How clearly did Jesus, during
His earthly ministry, foresee the
cross? How emphatically did He state
the necessity of His coming death at
Jerusalem? Matt. 16:2 1; Luke 9:22;
18:31-33.
NoTE.—"Before Him, in vivid outline,
lay the scenes whither His feet were tend-
ing. Even before He took humanity upon
Him, He saw the whole length of the path
He must travel in order to save that which
was lost. Every pang that rent His heart,
every insult that was heaped upon His
head, every privation that He was called to
endure, was open to His view before He
laid aside His crown and royal robe, and
stepped down from the throne, to clothe
His divinity with humanity. The path from
the manger to Calvary was all before His
eyes. He knew the anguish that would
come upon Him. He knew it all, and yet
He said, 'Lc), I come: in the volume of the
Book it is written of Me, I delight to do
Thy will, 0 My God: yea, Thy law is with-
in My heart.' Ps. 40:7,
8."—The Desire of
Ages,
page 410.
6.
In illustrating the spirit of self-
denial and sacrifice, how did our
Lord appear to indicate the manner
of death which awaited Him? Matt.
16:24, 25; 10:38; Luke 14:27.
NoTE.—"Jesus now explained to His dis-
ciples that His own life of self-abnegation
was an example of what theirs should be.
. . . The cross was associated with the
power of Rome. It was the instrument of
the most cruel and humiliating form of
death. . . . But Jesus bade His followers
take up the cross and bear it after Him.
. . . No more complete self-surrender
could the Saviour's words have pictured.
But all this He had accepted 'for them. Je-
sus did not count heaven a place to be de-
sired while we were lost. He left the
heavenly courts for a life of reproach and
insult, and a death of shame. . . . We are
to follow in the path He trod."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
pages 416, 417.
7.
As a good shepherd, what did
Christ foretell that He would do for
His sheep? What does Paul say
Christ did for the flock? John 10:11,
15-18; Acts 20:28.
NOTE.—"While as a member of the hu-
man family He was mortal, as God He was
the fountain of life for the world. He
could have withstood the advances of
death, and refused to come under its do-
minion; but voluntarily He laid down His
life, that He might bring life and immor-
tality to light. He bore the sin of the
world, endured its curse, yielded up His
life as a sacrifice, that men might not
eternally
tlie."—The Desire of Ages,
pp.
483, 484 (1940 ed., p. 484).
The Lord's Supper
8.
In what striking words did Je-
sus declare Himself to be the source
of life? How only are we to receive
this life? John 6:51-56.
NOTE.—"Our Lord has said, 'Except ye
eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink
His blood, ye have no life
in
you. . . . For
[
13]
My flesh is meat indeed, and My blood is
drink indeed.' John 6:53-55. This is true
of our physical nature. To the death of
Christ we owe even this earthly life. The
bread we eat is the purchase of His broken
body. The water we drink is bought by
His spilled blood. Never one, saint or sin-
ner, eats his daily food, but he is nourished
by the body and the blood of Christ. The
cross of Calvary is stamped on every loaf.
It is reflected in every water
spring."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 660.
9.
On the night before His pas-
sion, what service did Christ insti-
tute for His people? 1 Cor. 11:23-25.
10.
What do the bread and the
wine specifically represent? Matt. 26:
26-28.
NorE.—"Christ was standing at the point
of transition between two economies and
their two great festivals. He, the spotless
Lamb of God, was about to present Him-
self as a sin offering, and He would thus
bring to an end the system of types and
ceremonies that for four thousand years
had pointed to His death. As He ate the
Passover with His disciples, He instituted
in its place the service that was to be the
memorial of His great sacrifice. The na-
tional festival of the Jews was to pass away
forever. The service which Christ estab-
lished was to be observed by His followers
in all lands and through all
ages."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 652.
11.
How long is the Communion
service to continue? 1 Cor. 11:26.
NorE.—One object the Lord had in giv-
ing this service to His church was to make
it a promise and a pledge of His own re-
turn. The Passover had through the ages
pointed backward to the deliverance from
Egypt and forward to the coming of Christ
and of His death on Calvary. Now Christ
changed the Passover into the Lord's Sup-
per, which looks back to His death upon
the cross and forward to His second com-
ing. It is the New Testament service with
double application, pointing backward to
the cross and forward to His return.
12.
What is said of those who ap-
proach the Lord's table unworthily?
What are the worshipers counseled to
do? 1 Cor. 11:27-29.
NorE.—"When believers assemble to cele-
brate the ordinances, there are present mes-
sengers unseen by human eyes. There may
be a Judas in the company, and if so, mes-
sengers from the prince of darkness are
there, for they attend all who refuse to be
controlled by the Holy Spirit. Heavenly
angels also are present. These unseen visit-
ants are present on every such occasion.
There may come into the company persons
who are not in heart servants of truth and
holiness, but who may wish to take part in
the service. They should not be forbidden."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 656.
The Meaning of the Cross
13.
In contemplating the meaning
of the cross, in what alone should we
glory? Gal. 6:14.
NOTE.—"Looking upon the crucified Re-
deemer, we more fully comprehend the
magnitude and meaning of the sacrifice
made by the Majesty of heaven. The plan
of salvation is glorified before us, and the
thought of Calvary awakens living and
sacred emotions in our hearts. Praise to
God and the Lamb will be in our hearts
and on our lips; for pride and self-worship
cannot flourish in the soul that keeps fresh
in memory the scenes of Calvary.
"He who beholds the Saviour's matchless
love will be elevated in thought, purified
in heart, transformed in character. He will
go forth to be a light to the world, to re-
flect in some degree this mysterious love.
The more we contemplate the cross of
Christ, the more fully shall we adopt the
language of the apostle when he said, 'God
forbid that I should glory, save in the cross
of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the
world is crucified unto me, and I unto the
world.' Gal.
6:14."—The Desire of Ages,
page 661.
L 14 ]
Lesson
4,
for July 25, 1953
Christ's Sacrifice on Calvary
MEMORY VERSES:
"And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, He said, Father,
into Thy hands I commend My spirit: and having said thus, He gave up the
ghost." "And •the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the
bottom." Luke 23:46; Mark 15:38.
STUDY HELP:
"The Desire of Ages," chapters 74, 75, 77, 78, 79.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Following the outline, survey the 5. Read from "The Desire of Ages."
entire lesson.
6. Read further from "The Desire of
2.
Key Words; Introduction; Ques. 1-3.
Ages."
3.
Ques. 4-8.
7. Review the entire lesson.
4.
Ques. 9-13.
Introduction
Christ, the Sin Bearer:
"The spotless Son
of God hung upon the cross, His flesh lacer-
Lesson Outline:
Introduction: Christ, the Sin ,Bearer
I. Gethsemane
1.
Destiny of the world in balance.
2.
The disciples sleep, angels comfort
the Master.
3.
The betrayal in the garden.
II. Christ's Trial and Condemnation
1.
Before the Sanhedrin.
2.
Before Pilate and Herod.
3.
Pilate's fruitless efforts to release
Jesus.
4.
Jews accept responsibility for His
blood.
III. Death and Resurrection
1.
The crucifixion, His prayer, associ-
ates in death.
2.
The inscription on the cross, the
mocking multitude.
3.
Natural phenomena at time of
Christ's death.
Conclusion: Triumph in the Hour of
Death
Key Words:
1.
Calvary.
The place outside the an-
cient city of Jerusalem where Christ was
crucified. Many modern historians believe
that a skull-shaped rock or hillock above
Jeremiah's grotto outside the Damascus
gate fulfills the requirements of the gospel
narrative for its location. Calvary is a Latin
word which is an interpretation of the
Greek word
Kranion,
a skull, and the He-
brew word
Golgotha.
2.
Gethsemane.
The garden outside
Jerusalem on the slopes of the Mount of
Olives which was the scene of the agony
and arrest of Jesus. It was a favorite re-
treat for the Master when He was in Jeru-
salem, and He often spent nights in prayer
in this quiet garden.
3.
Sanhedrin.
The supreme council
and tribunal of the Jews, consisting of sev-
enty-one members. It had complete juris-
diction over'religious matters and also over
the more important civil and criminal cases.
It met daily except on Sabbath and festival
days. In the time of Christ much of its
power had been curtailed by the Romans.
THE LESSON
ated with stripes; those hands so often
reached out in blessing, nailed to the
wooden bars; those feet so tireless on min-
istries of love, spiked to the tree; that
[ 15
royal head pierced by the crown of thorns;
those quivering lips shaped to the cry of
woe. And all that He endured—the blood
drops that flowed from His head, His
hands, His feet, the agony that racked His
frame, and the unutterable anguish that
filled His soul at the hiding of His Father's
face—speaks to each child of humanity, de-
claring, It is for thee that the Son of God
consents to bear this burden of guilt; for
thee He spoils the domain of death, and
opens the gates of Paradise. He . . . offers
Himself upon the cross as a sacrifice, and
this from love to thee. He, the Sin Bearer,
endures the wrath of divine justice, and
for thy sake becomes sin itself."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
pp. 754, 755 (1940 ed., pp. 755,
756).
Gethsemane
1.
On the night before the cruci-
fixion where did Jesus go with His
disciples? What seemed to overcome
Him? What was His prayer? Matt.
26:36-39.
2.
Seeking human comfort, what
did He find? Returning to the gar-
den, how did He pour out His soul
anguish? Who strengthened Him?
What indicates the intensity of His
agony? Matt. 26:40-42; Luke 22:42-
44; Isa. 52:14.
NOTE.—"The awful moment had come—
that moment which was to decide the des-
tiny of the world. The fate of humanity
trembled in the balance. Christ might even
now refuse to drink the cup apportioned to
guilty man. It was not yet too late. . . .
He might say, Let the transgressor receive
the penalty of his sin, and I will go back to
My Father. Will the Son of God drink the
bitter cup of humiliation and agony? Will
the innocent suffer the consequences of the
curse of sin, to save the guilty? . . .
"Three times has He uttered that prayer.
Three times has humanity shrunk from
the last, crowning sacrifice. But now the
history of the human race comes up before
the world's Redeemer. . . . He sees the
power of sin. The woes and lamentations
of a doomed world rise before Him. He
beholds its impending fate, and His deci-
sion is made. He will save man at any cost
to Himself. He accepts'- His baptism of
blood, that through Him perishing millions
may gain everlasting life
;
'
.
'
-The Desire of
Ages,
pages 690-693.
3.
How was Jesus betrayed? What
incident proved Christ's power?
What did the disciples do? Matt. 26:
47-56; Luke 22:51.
Christ's Trial and Condemnation
4.
Before whom was Christ first
tried? With what result? When
called before the Sanhedrin, how was
He treated? John 18:13, 19-24; Luke
22:63-71.
5.
How was Jesus falsely accused
before Pilate? Why was He sent to
Herod? What was Herod's reaction
and Christ's attitude? Luke 23:1-12.
6.
What did Pilate declare when
Christ was sent back by Herod? How
did Pilate try to release Jesus? How
was Pilate's interest in Jesus and his
weakness to stand for justice mani-
fested? Luke 23:13-24; John 19:1-15.
Norp.—"Behold the man !" "Behold
your King !" In these utterances Pilate un-
wittingly pointed out the secret of Christ's
incarnation and of our redemption. As
"the man," Christ became one of the hu-
man family, forever to retain His human
nature. As "your King," Christ has en-
folded humanity again in the bosom of in-
finite love and has thus achieved for us
redemption. In His trials, ,mockery, and
scourging, Christ "was wounded for our
transgressions, He was bruised for our in-
iquities: the chastisement of our peace was
[ 16 ]
NLY IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS CAN
OWE FIND STRENGTH TO ENDURE TEMPTATION.
upon Him." "Christ was treated as we
deserve, that we might be treated as He
deserves. He was condemned for our sins,
in which He had no share, that we might
be justified by His righteousness, in which
we had no share. He suffered the death
which was ours, that we might receive the
life which was His. 'With His stripes we
are healed.'
"—The Desire of Ages,
page 25.
7.
How did Pilate try to show his
innocence? What terrible sentence
did the Jews pronounce upon them-
selves? A few months later, what
changed attitude was taken by the
Jewish leaders? Matt. 27:24, 25; Acts
5:28.
NoTE.—"Looking upon the smitten Lamb
of God, the Jews had cried, 'His blood be
on us, and on our children.' That awful
cry ascended to the throne of God. That
sentence, pronounced upon themselves, was
written in heaven. That prayer was heard.
The blood of the Son of God was upon
their children and their children's children,
a perpetual curse."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 739.
8.
After the sentence of death how
did the soldiers and others mock and
revile Jesus? Matt. 27:26-31; Isa. 50:6.
Calvary
9.
How and where was the cruci-
fixion carried out? What was Christ's
prayer? Who were crucified with
Him? How did the rulers deride
Him? John 19:16-18; Luke 23:32-37.
Noxt.—"That prayer of Christ for His
enemies embraced the world. It took in
every sinner that had lived or should live,
from the beginning of the world to the end
of time. Upon all rests the guilt of cruci-
fying the Son of God. To all, forgiveness
is freely offered." "God's purpose was
reaching its fulfillment. Jesus was earning
the right to become the advocate of men
in the Father's presence."—The
Desire of
Ages,
pp. 745, 744 (1940 ed., p. 745).
10.
What inscription did Pilate
cause to be written? How did it af-
fect the Jews? John 19:19-22.
NoTE.—The inscription over the cross is
given differently in each of the four Gos-
pels. We know that it was.written in three
different languages—Hebrew, Greek, and
Latin. This possibly explains why we have
a slightly different reading in each language.
.In Matthew 27:37 we read, "This is Je-
sus the King of the Jews." What was writ-
ten is called "His accusation" by Matthew.
This might well be what was written in
Hebrew.
Turning now to Mark 15:26, the "super-
scription" is said to have read: "The King
of the Jews." This might well be what
was written in Greek. Here the name "Je-
sus" does not appear; and for all the non-
Jews (the Greeks) the proper name of the
person on the cross, Joshua (which in
Greek becomes
Jesus),
is not of so great
importance as it is to the Jews.
In Luke 23:38 we find that the "super-
scription," as it is again called, as in Mark
15:26, reads, "This is the King of the Jews."
It would be quite natural for Luke to give
what was written in Greek.
We next turn to John 19:19. Here the
writing is said to be a title
(titlon).
Corn-
menting on this verse, Archibald T. Robert-
son in his
Word Pictures in the New Testa-
[17
]
ment
says: "Only John tells us that Pilate
himself wrote it, and John alone uses the
technical Latin word
titlon
(several times
in inscriptions), for the board with the
name of the criminal and the crime in
which he is condemned." It would seem
that John, who wrote last of the four Gos-
pel writers, did actually give what Pilate
himself wrote, which was in Latin: "Jesus
of Nazareth the King of the Jews," giving
the legal and official terminology: the name
of the criminal, the place where he came
from, and his crime.
11.
How did the multitude and
passers-by mock Christ even when
hanging on the cross? What experi-
ence did He have with the thieves?
Mark 15:29-32; Luke 23:39-43.
12.
What natural phenomena ac-
companied the death of Christ? In
His great soul anguish what did the
Saviour cry? Mark 15:33-36.
Triumph in the Hour of Death
13.
Just before His death what
shout of victory came from the Mas-
ter's lips? At the same moment what
happened in the temple? John 19:30;
Luke 23:46, 47; Matt. 27:50-53.
Nora.—"With a rending noise the inner
veil of the temple is torn from top to bot-
tom by an unseen hand, throwing open to
the gaze of the multitude a place once filled
with the presence of God. . . . All is ter-
ror and confusion. The priest is about to
slay the victim; but the knife drops from
his nerveless hand, and the lamb escapes.
Type has met antitype in the death of
God's Son. The great sacrifice has been
made. The way into the holiest is laid
open. A new and living way is prepared
for all. No longer need sinful, sorrowing
humanity await the coming of the high
priest. Henceforth the Saviour was to of-
ficiate as priest and advocate in the heaven
of heavens. It was as if a living voice had
spoken to the worshipers: There is now an
end to all sacrifices and offerings for sin.
The Son of God is come according to His
word, `Lo, I come (in the volume of the
Book it is written of Me,) to do Thy will,
O God.' By His own blood' He entereth
`in once into the holy place, having ob-
tained eternal redemption for us.' Heb. 10:
7; 9 : 12
."—The Desire of Ages,
pp. 756, 757
(1940 ed., p. 757).
Lesson 5, for August 1, 1953
The Resurrection and the Ascension
The Cross in the Teachings of the Apostles
MEMORY VERSE:
"God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord
Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world."
Gal. 6:14.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 779-787; 829-835; "The Acts of the
Apostles," chapter 20.
DAILY STUDY
1.
Following the outline, survey the
entire lesson.
2.
Key Words; Introduction; Ques. 1-3.
3.
Ques. 4-7.
4.
Ques. 8-12.
ASSIGNMENT
5.
Ques.
13, 14; read "The Desire of
Ages," pp. 779-787.
6.
Read "The Desire of Ages," pp. 829-
835, and from "The Acts of the
Apostles."
7.
Review the entire lesson.
[is]
Lesson Outline:
Introduction: New Meaning of the Cross
I. The Resurrection
1.
Christ in the tomb, the Roman
guard.
2.
A mighty angel calls; Christ's re-
sponse.
3.
The early visitors to the tomb.
4.
The glad tidings.
II. The Ascension
1.
Christ tarries forty days.
2.
Scene on Olivet as He ascended.
3.
Promise of His return.
III. Ministry of Christ in Heaven
1.
Position at Father's side.
2.
Work in heavenly sanctuary.
IV. The Cross in Apostles' Ministry
1.
Paul's new approach at Corinth.
2.
The glory of the cross.
3.
Peter's lessons from Christ's suf-
ferings.
Conclusion: Our Example in Suffering
Key Words:
1.
Roman seal.
It was customary for
a chest, box, or tomb, or anything which
required to be guarded from being opened,
to be sealed with the signet of the person
who had authority to prohibit such intru-
sion. When Christ's tomb was sealed with
the signet of the Roman government, all
the authority of the empire of Rome was
back of that seal to keep Christ within the
tomb.
2.
Incarnation.
The literal state of be-
ing clothed with human flesh. It refers to
Christ's taking upon Himself the nature of
man.
3.
Advocate.
One who pleads the
cause of another before a tribunal or ju-
dicial court. A counselor or intercessor who
appears for another.
4.
Intercessor.
One who intercedes, a
mediator, or one who assumes the liability
for a debt of another either by substitution
or surety.
THE LESSON
Introduction
New Meaning of the Cross:
The tomb
could not hold the Author of life—the One
who had said, "I am the way, the truth,
and the life"—for in Him was life and
power over death. Although the disciples
did not believe the promise of His resur-
rection, evil men and angels did, and every
effort was put forth to keep Him sealed
in the tomb. But Satan's plans were de-
feated; the Roman soldiers were over-
whelmed, and Christ came forth a con-
queror over death and the grave. He
brought forth the keys of death and is able
henceforth to open the tombs of all those
who sleep in Him. Christ tarried forty
days on earth after His resurrection to as-
sure His disciples of His presence and His
love for them; and then from Olivet's
brow He ascended to take up His work in
heaven as our High Priest and Mediator.
This He could not undertake until after
Calvary, for He must have "somewhat also
to offer," even His precious blood, in His
mediatorial work on behalf of sinners.
After the disciples departed from Olivet
(from whence He was taken up) to take up
their ministry, the cross which had seemed
to be the crushing out of all their hopes
took on a new meaning, and became to
them an object of glory and adoration, for
it was there that the blood of the atone-
ment was shed and the Master earned the
right to be the Saviour of the world. This
is revealed again and again in the writings
of the apostles.
The Resurrection
1.
Following His death on Cal-
vary, where and by whom was Jesus
laid to rest? Matt. 27:57-60.
2.
Early, before dawn, on the first
day of the week, what occurred at the
sepulcher? Matt. 28:2-4.
[ 19
IN WHAT DO WE GLORY?
3.
Who had come to the tomb
that early morning? What wonder-
ful tidings did the angel proclaim to
the women? Matt. 28:1, 5-8.
4.
Who met the women as they
went to take the glad tidings to the
disciples? Matt. 28:9, 10.
5.
How fully does our hope of eter-
nal life center in Christ's resurrec-
tion? 1 Cor. 15:17-23.
NOTE.—"The resurrection and ascension
of our Lord is a sure evidence of the tri-
umph of the saints of God over death and
the grave, and a pledge that heaven is open
to those who wash their robes of character
and make them white in the blood of the
Lamb. Jesus ascended to the Father as a
representative of the human race, and God
will bring those who reflect His image to
behold and share with Him His glory."—
Testimonies,
vol. 9, p. 286.
The Ascension
6.
For how long and for what pur-
pose did Christ tarry with His disci-
pies after His resurrection? Acts 1:3;
Luke 24:44-48.
NOTE.—"Christ's words on the mountain-
side were the announcement that His sac-
rifice in behalf of man was full and com-
plete. The conditions of the atonement had
been fulfilled; the work for which He came
to this world had been accomplished. He
was on His way to the throne of God, to be
honored by angels, principalities, and pow-
ers. He had entered upon His mediatorial
work. . . . Again He opened to them the
Scriptures, showing that all He had passed
through had been ordained in heaven, in
the councils between the Father and Him-
self. All had been foretold by men inspired
by the Holy Spirit. He said, . . . All I
have said in regard to the humiliation I
should endure and the death I should die,
has been verified. On the third day I rose
again. Search the Scriptures more diligently,
and you will see that in all these things the
specifications of prophecy concerning Me
have been fulfilled."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 819, 820.
7.
What place of hallowed mem-
ories did our Lord choose for His
ascension? As Christ was giving His
parting blessing, how was He taken
up into heaven? Luke 24:50, 51; Acts
1:9-11.
Christ's Ministry in Heaven
8.
Following Christ's ascension,
what exalted position did He occupy
in heaven? Acts 5:30, 31; Eph. 1:20,
21; Heb.1:3, last part.
9.
Upon what special work in the
heavenly courts did Christ then en-
gage? How was He qualified for this
position? Heb. 4:14, 15; 7:25.
10.
Through our Lord's ministry
in the sanctuary above, what hope is
[ 20 ]
afforded to sinners? In His priestly
service for us, what precious names
are applied to Christ? John 2:1; Rom.
8:34; 1 Tim. 2:5.
NoTE.—"Jehovah did not deem the plan
of salvation complete while invested only
with His love. He has placed at His altar
an Advocate clothed in our nature. As our
Intercessor, Christ's office work is to intro-
duce us to God as His sons and daughters.
He intercedes in behalf of those who re-
ceive Him. With His own blood He has
paid their ransom. By virtue of His merits
He gives them power to become members
of the royal family, children of the heav-
enly King. And the Father demonstrates
His infinite love for Christ by receiving and
welcoming Christ's friends as His friends.
He is satisfied with the atonement made.
He is glorified by the incarnation, the life,
death, and mediation of His Son.
"In Christ's name our petitions ascend
to the Father. He intercedes in our behalf,
and the Father lays open all the treasures
of His grace for our appropriation, for us
to enjoy and impart to others."—Testi-
monies,
vol. 8, pp. 177, 178.
The Cross in the Apostles' Ministry
11. After Paul's eloquent and logi-
cal preaching in Athens, with but lit-
tle fruit, by what new approach did
he present the message in Corinth? 1
Cor. 2:2-4; 1:18, 23. Compare Acts
17:22-33.
NOTE.—"In preaching the gospel in Cor-
inth, the apostle followed a course different
from that which had marked his labors at
Athens. While in the latter place, he had
sought to adapt his style to the character
of his audience; he had met logic with logic,
science with science, philosophy with phi-
losophy. As he thought of the time thus
spent, and realized that his teaching in
Athens had been productive of but little
fruit, be decided to follow another plan of
labor in Corinth, in his efforts to arrest
the attention of the careless and the indif-
ferent. He determined to avoid elaborate
arguments and discussions, and 'not to
know anything' among the Corinthians,
`save Jesus. Christ, and Him crucified.'
"—
The Acts of the Apostles,
page 244.
12.
In what alone did Paul glory?
Gal. 6:14.
NoTE.—"But to Paul, the cross was the
one object of supreme interest. Ever since
he had been arrested in his career of perse-
cution against the followers of the crucified
Nazarene, he had never ceased to glory in
the cross. At that time there had been
given him a revelation of the infinite love
of God, as revealed in the death of Christ;
and a marvelous transformation had been
wrought in his life, bringing all his plans
and purposes into harmony with heaven.
From that hour he had been a new man in
Christ. He knew by personal experience
that when a sinner once beholds the love
of the Father, as seen in the sacrifice of His
Son, and yields to the divine influence, a
change of heart takes place, and hence-
forth Christ is all and in
all."—The Acts
of the Apostles,
pages 245, 246.
13.
With what words does Peter
refer to the sufferings of Christ, and
what lessons does he draw from these
sufferings? 1 Peter 3:18; 4:1, 12, 13.
Our Example in Suffering
14.
How does the writer of the
epistle to the Hebrews present Christ's
sufferings as our great example of
faith? Heb. 12:2-4.
"Many who profess the name of Christ
and claim to be looking for His speedy
coming, know not what it is to suffer for
Christ's sake. Their hearts are not sub-
dued by grace, and they are not dead to
self, as is often shown in various ways. At
the same time they are talking of having
trials. But the principal cause of their
trials is an unsubdued heart, which makes
self so sensitive that it is often crossed. . . .
[ 21 ]
Ever keep Jesus in your mind, that He is
your example, and you must tread in His
footsteps.. . .
"Let us, then, cheerfully suffer something
for Jesus' sake, crucify self daily, and be
partakers of Christ's sufferings here, that
we may be made partakers with Him of
His glory, and be crowned with glory,
honor, immortality, and eternal life."—
Early Writings,
pages 113, 114.
Lesson 6, for August 8, 1953
Redemption and Reconciliation Through the Blood
MEMORY VERSE:
"In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgive-
ness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." Eph. 1:7.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 63-70; "The Great Controversy,"
chapter 40, last two pages.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Following the outline, survey the
4. Ques. 7-10.
entire lesson.
5. Ques. 11-13.
2.
Key Words; Introduction; Ques. 1, 2. 6. Read Study Helps assignments.
3.
Ques. 3-6.
7. Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction: Christ's Blood the Price of
Redemption
I. The Bondage of Sin
1.
All bound and under control of Sa-
tan.
2.
Temptation promises liberty, sin
results in bondage.
II. The Price and Power of Redemption
1.
Redemption purchased at infinite
cost.
2.
Christ's blood sufficient for our for-
giveness and redemption.
3.
His blood gives access to the holiest.
4.
Redemption includes ransom from
the grave.
III. The Spirit and Redemption
1.
The Father and Spirit associated
in working out plan of redemp-
tion.
2.
The Spirit a pledge of our redemp-
tion.
IV. The Covering of Reconciliation
1. Propitiation through faith in His
blood.
2.
The mercy seat, a covering for sin.
3.
Fullness of forgiveness.
Conclusion: The Message of Reconcilia-
tion
Key Words:
1.
Redemption.
The act of regaining
possession of, by repurchasing or paying a
ransom or release for those who have been
sold into bondage or are held prisoners by
the enemy. In a Christian sense it is the
deliverance from the bondage and conse-
quences of sin through the atonement ef-
fected by Christ on Calvary.
2.
Reconciliation.
A restoration of har-
mony or friendship between former ene-
mies.
3.
Propitiation.
An atonement or aton-
ing sacrifice, especially the sacrifice and
death of Christ as effecting a reconciliation
between God and man. In Romans 3:25
the word means
mercy seat,
so called be-
cause Christ was regarded as the seat of
mercy or giver of grace.
[ 22 ]
THE LESSON
What was the precious price that was
paid for our redemption? Rom. 8:21,
23; 1 Peter 1:18, 19; Heb. 9:12.
Introduction
Christ's Blood the Price of Redemption:
Through sin the human family has been
sold into bondage. We are in abject slav-
ery, without hope, except "through His
blood." Christ alone has paid the price for
our redemption. He alone is able to rescue
us and deliver us from the bondage of sin
and the penalty of the violated law. "When
we study the divine character in the light
of the cross, we see mercy, tenderness, and
forgiveness blended with equity and justice.
We see in the midst of the throne One bear-
ing in hands and feet and side the marks of
the suffering endured to reconcile man to
God. We see a Father, infinite, dwelling
in light unapproachable, yet receiving us to
Himself through the merits of His Son.
The cloud of vengeance that threatened
only misery and despair, in the light re-
flected from the cross reveals the writing
of God: Live, sinner, live! ye penitent, be-
lieving souls, live! I have paid a ransom."
—The Acts of the Apostles,
page 333.
The Bondage of Sin
1.
How does Satan bring men and
women under his control? John 8:
34; Rom. 6:16.
NoTE.—"All who willfully depart from
God's commandments are placing them-
selves under the control of Satan. Many a
man tampers with evil, thinking that he can
break away at pleasure; but he is lured on
and on, until he finds himself controlled by
a will stronger than his own. He cannot
escape its mysterious power. Secret sin or
master passion may hold him a captive as
helpless as was the demoniac of Caper-
naum."—The
Ministry of Healing,
pages
92, 93.
2.
Although temptation may prom-
ise liberty, what is sin's ultimate re-
sult? 2 Peter 2:19.
The Price and Power of Redemption
3.
What is promised to those who
groan under the bondage of sin?
NorE.—"All men have been bought with
this infinite price. By pouring the whole
treasury of heaven into this world, by giv-
ing us in Christ all heaven, God has pur-
chased the will, the affections, the mind,
the soul, of every human being. Whether
believers or unbelievers, all men are the
Lord's property."—Christ's
Object Les-
sons,
page 326.
4.
What does redemption include?
Upon what basis is redemption ob-
tained? Eph. 1:7; Rom. 3:24, 27.
5.
What gives us boldness to now
enter into His presence? Heb. 10:19;
4:16.
6.
What more than the forgive-
ness of sin is included in redemption?
Hosea 13:14; John 11:25, 26.
NOTE.—"By His word and His works He
declared Himself the Author of the resur-
rection. He who Himself was soon to die
upon the cross stood with the keys of
death, a conqueror of the grave, and as-
serted His right and power to give eternal
life."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 530.
The Spirit and Redemption
7.
Who were associated with
Christ in working out the plan of
redemption? What did the blood,
through the Spirit, accomplish? John
3:16; Heb. 9:14.
NOTE.—"The Godhead was stirred with
pity for the race, and the Father, the Son,
[ 23 ]
and the Holy Spirit gave Themselves to the
working out of the plan of redemption."—
Counsels on Health,
page 222.
8.
What has been given as a pledge
of our redemption? What should be
our attitude toward this gift? Eph. 1:
13, 14; 4:30.
NOTE.—"The Spirit was to be given as a
regenerating agent, and without this the
sacrifice of Christ would have been of no
avail. . . . It is the Spirit that makes ef-
fectual what has been wrought out by the
world's Redeemer."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 671.
"The Covering of Reconciliation"
9.
In addition to the "redemption
that is in Christ Jesus," what further
statement is made concerning the
power of the blood? Rom. 3:24, 25.
NOTE.—The word "propitiation" is trans-
lated in some texts as "mercy seat." The
word is defined as "an expiatory place or
thing, i.e., an atoning victim, or specifically,
the lid of the ark." The word might rightly
be translated, "covering of reconciliation"
or "place of atonement."
10.
What does the apostle John say
of the effectiveness of this "covering
of reconciliation" in hiding sin? 1
JOhn 2:2; John 1:29.
Nora.—"The mercy seat is thus the place
where sin is covered or forgiven, the place
on which atonement is made for it, so that
it shall be no longer remembered against
the sinner. In conformity with this, on the
great Day of Atonement, . . . the mercy
seat, though the very throne of God, was
sprinkled with the blood of the sin offering.
. . . It proclaimed that notwithstanding
the law's accusing and condemning power
there was mercy with God . . . and plen-
teous redemption."—William Milligan, in
Butler's
Bible-Work, vol.
2, p. 300.
THE VICTORY OF JESUS CHRIST
MAKES OUR REDEMPTION SURE.
11.
How do the Scriptures empha-
size the fullness of forgiveness when
we become reconciled unto God? 2
Cor. 5:19; Isa. 44:22; 38:17; Micah 7:
19; Jer. 50:20.
The Message of Reconciliation
12.
To whom has been committed
the message of reconciliation? What,
then, are we to be? 2 Cor. 5:18, 20,
21.
NoTE.—The precious blood has provided
complete atonement or reconciliation. We
have been brought back again into har-
mony with God, into oneness with Him,
after sin had broken the friendship. So the
message comes to sinners: "Be ye recon-
ciled to God." If you desire to be delivered
from sin's power and bondage, exercise
faith in the blood. "There is power, . . .
wonder-working power in the blood"—
power to save to the uttermost, to cover all
your sins and to set you free. "For He
hath made Him to be sin for us; . . . that
we might be made the righteousness of God
in Him." 2 Cor. 5:21.
13.
What has such wondrous love
done for us? What should be our
response toward our fellow men? 1
John 4:10, 11.
[
24
]
Lesson 7, for August 15, 1953
Cleansing and Sanctification Through the Blood
MEMORY VERSE: "If
we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship
one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all
sin." 1 John 1:7.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," chapter
27;
"Christ's Object Lessons,"
chapter, "Like Unto Leaven."
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Following the outline, survey the
entire lesson.
2.
Key Words; Introduction; Ques. 1-3.
3.
Ques. 4-6; read from "The Great
Controversy."
4.
Ques. 7-11.
5.
Ques.
12-14;
read further from "The
Great Controversy."
6.
Read chapter in "Christ's Object
Lessons."
7.
Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction: Cleansing From the Pol-
lution of Sin
I. A New Spirit
1.
The deeper experience of cleansing.
2.
Defilement of sin to be washed
away.
3.
All accomplished through His blood.
II. The Pure in Heart
1.
Dwell in God's presence.
2.
Obey the truth.
3.
Love the brethren.
4.
Are completely transformed.
III. Sanctification
1.
Bestowed by Christ through His
blood.
2.
Follows cleansing from sin.
3. It is God's will and plan for us.
IV. How Sanctification Is Obtained
Through praise, thanks, and obedience.
Conclusion: Complete Transformation
Key Words:
1.
Cleansing.
The spiritual cleansing
promised is a removal of that which defiles,
stains, or pollutes the character. It pro-
duces a change in the life, language, and
habits of a man, and results in purity of
speech and life as the pollution that sin
caused in the life is washed away.
2.
Sanctification.
The process of God's
grace by which the affections and inner-
most thoughts of men are purified and ex-
alted to a supreme love for God and His
righteousness. This result is obfained
through purification from sin by faith in
Christ and obedience to the precepts of the
law of God.
THE LESSON
Introduction
stores the broken friendship and brings the
sinner back into harmony with God through
Cleansing From the Pollution of Sin:
In
the blood of the atonement. In this lesson
the previous lesson we found that Christ we will note that cleansing by the blood of
paid the price for sins that are past. This is
Christ delivers us from the pollution of
redemption. It includes justification and sin, and from a sense of the defilement and
forgiveness, a removal of the guilt of sin.
impurity which sin brings to our inner be-
We found further that reconciliation re-
ing. Cleansing does not refer to the grace
[ 25 ]
of pardon received at conversion, but to
the effects of grace in the life of those who
walk in the light. After forgiving our sins,
He promises "to cleanse us from all un-
righteousness." The cleansing here prom-
ised will remove the defilement and im-
purity of the soul.
Thus, sanctification concerns the daily
life, those characteristics which must be
imparted to it in preparation for heaven.
Sanctification is the communication to man
of the holiness of God. It requires a com-
plete separation from sin and an entire
surrender of the will to God. It is im-
parted through perfect obedience to the
truth.
A New Spirit
1.
For what did the psalmist pray
in addition to the blotting out of his
transgressions? Ps. 51:1, 2, 7, 10.
2.
How does Ezekiel describe this
deeper experience of cleansing? What
must be renewed? What will the
Spirit accomplish? Ezek. 36:2 5-27.
3.
What does the blood of Jesus
do for the sinner? Confession leads
to what two blessed results? 1 John
1:7, 9.
NOTE.—"When the light from Christ
shines into our souls, we shall see how im-
pure we are; we shall discern the selfish-
ness of motive, the enmity against God,
that has defiled every act of life. Then
we shall know that our own righteousness
is indeed as filthy rags, and that the blood
of Christ alone can cleanse us from the de-
filement of sin, and renew our hearts in
His own likeness."—Steps
to Christ,
page 33.
The Pure in Heart
4.
Who will dwell in God's pres-
ence? What is the objective of God's
commandments? Matt. 5:8; 1 Tim. 1:
5.
Compare Psalm 15.
NOTE.—"All impurity of speech or of
thought must be shunned by him who
would have clear discernment of spiritual
truth."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 302.
5.
How is the soul made pure?
What is the result? What will this
purity lead us to do for others? 1 Pe-
ter 1:22; 2 Cor. 7:1.
NOTE.—"It is
a
sacred duty that we owe
to God to keep the spirit pure, as a temple
for the Holy Ghost. If the heart and mind
are devoted to the service of God, obeying
all His commandments, loving Him with
all the heart, might, mind, and strength,
and our neighbor as ourselves, we shall be
found loyal and true to the requirements
of
heaven."—Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 33.
6.
How completely and fully are
we to give ourselves to God for
cleansing, and with what result?
Rom. 12:1, 2.
NorE.—"The religion of Christ trans-
forms the heart. It makes the worldly-
minded man heavenly-minded. Under its
influence the selfish man becomes unselfish
because this is the character of Christ. The
dishonest, scheming man becomes upright,
so that it is second nature to him to do
unto others as he would have others do
unto him. The profligate is changed from
Impurity to purity. He forms correct hab-
its, for the gospel of Christ has become to
him a savor of life unto
life."—Testimonies,
vol.
5, p. 345.
Sanctification
7.
What further experience is ac-
complished for
us
through the blood
of Christ? Heb. 13:12.
8.
How does Paul point out the
distinction between cleansing and
sanctification? What will be the re-
sult? Eph. 5:25-27; 2 Tim. 2:21.
[ 26 ]
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NOTE.—The
Revised Version for Ephe-
sians 5:26 reads, "That He might sanctify
it, having cleansed it," et cetera.
9.
What is God's will for us? What
is His standard? 1 Thess. 4:3, 4; 1 Pe-
ter 1:15, 16; Eph. 4:24.
NOTE.—"Holiness
is not rapture: it is an
entire surrender of the will to God; it is
living by every word that proceeds from
the mouth of God; it is doing the will of
our heavenly Father; it is trusting God in
trial, in darkness as well as in the light; it
is walking by faith and not by sight; it is
relying on God with unquestioning confi-
dence, and resting in His love."—The
Acts
of the Apostles,
page 51.
10.
Who alone could perform
God's will? What would be the re-
sult for fallen man? Heb. 10:9, 10;
2:11.
Nora.—The will of God, which man had
failed to do, was perfectly accomplished in
Christ for all time. Through this "we are
sanctified." When Christ came to do the
will of the Father, and when, having done
His will He was perfected through the
things which He suffered; when He died
on the cross without spot, blameless and
undefiled, He received power to impart to
us that perfection and sanctification which
He had won through the offering of His
body "once for all." Now we can rejoice
that "both He that sanctifieth and they
who are sanctified are all of One: for which
cause He is not ashamed to call them
brethren."
11.
What is a sign of sanctifica-
tion? Ex. 31:13.
NorE.—"The Sabbath given to the world
as the sign of God as the Creator is also the
sign of Him as the Sanctifier. The power
that created all things is the power that
re-creates the soul in His own likeness. To
those who keep holy the Sabbath day it is
the sign of sanctification. True sanctifica-
tion is harmony with God, oneness with
Him in character. It is received through
obedience to those principles that are the
transcript of His character. And the. Sab-
bath is the sign of obedience. He who from
the heart obeys the fourth commandment
will obey the whole law. He is sanctified
through
obedience."—Testimonies,
vol. 6,.
p. 350.
How Sanctification Is Obtained
12.
After testifying that we are
sanctified through the blood of Je-
sus, what admonition does the apos-
tle give? What sacrifices are we to
offer, and what will be the result?
Heb. 13:12-16.
13.
Through what heavenly agen-
cies is sanctification imparted? Rom.
15:16, last part; John 17:17, 19.
Nora.—"The religion of Christ means
more than the forgiveness of sins; it means
taking away our sins, and filling the vac-
uum with the graces of the Holy Spirit. It
means divine illumination, rejoicing in God.
It means a heart emptied of self, and
blessed with the abiding presence of Christ.
[27
1
When Christ reigns in the soul, there is
purity, freedom from sin. The glory, the
fullness, the completeness of the gospel
plan is fulfilled in the life. The acceptance
of the Saviour brings a glow of perfect
peace, perfect love, perfect assurance. The
beauty and fragrance of the character of
Christ, revealed in the life, testifies that
God has indeed sent His Son into the world
to be its
Saviour."—Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 419, 420.
Complete Transformation
14. How complete is this trans-
formation to be? 1 Thess. 5:23.
NorE.—"The sanctification set forth in
the Scriptures embraces the entire being,—
spirit, soul, and body. Paul prayed for the
Thessalonians, that their 'whole spirit and
soul and body be preserved blameless unto
the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.'
Again he writes to believers, 'I beseech
you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of
God, that ye present your bodies a living
sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.' . . .
Christians are bidden to present their
bodies, 'a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable
unto God.' In order to do this, all their
powers must be preserved in the best pos-
sible condition."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 473 (1950 ed., p. 468).
Lesson 8, for August 22, 1953
The Relation of Faith to the Blood
MEMORY VERSE:
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of your-
selves: it is the gift of God." Eph. 2:8.
STUDY HELPS:
"Education," pages 253-256; "Steps to Christ," pages 53-70.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Following the outline, survey the
4. Ques. 7-10.
entire lesson.
5. Ques. 11-13.
2.
Key Words; Introduction; Ques. 1, 2. 6. Read Study Helps assignments.
3.
Ques. 3-6.
7. Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction: Faith and Redemption
I. Saved Through Faith Alone
1. The author of faith, title obtained
on the cross.
'2. Actuality of Christ's saving power.
II. Steps in the Life of Faith
1.
Knowledge.
2.
Love.
3.
Obedience.
4.
Victory.
III. Companions of Faith
1.
Courage.
2.
Humility.
3.
Obedience.
4.
Prayer.
IV. Hindrances to Faith
1.
Vain
reasoning.
2.
Presumption.
Conclusion: Experience of the Remnant
Key Words:
1. Faith.
Such a familiar word as faith
hardly needs definition, but its very com-
monness makes its true spiritual meaning
obscure. Faith is more than belief. Belief
gives assent to testimony or doctrine. Faith
gives assent but unites trust and confidence
to the belief and acts accordingly. Faith is
thus an active principle, an act both of the
understanding and of the will, and unites
with it a response of the heart. In a special
sense in this lesson faith is reliance on God's
[ 28 I
testimony regarding the mission and aton-
ing death of His Son on the cross, and the
efficacy of His blood in full salvation.
2. Presumption.
This is the devil's
counterfeit for faith. It is manifested in
an overconfidence of salvation, especially
as it pertains to one's own efforts or to the
acceptance of God's help. Presumption
leads to bold assertion, almost to audacity;
while faith leads to humility and modesty.
THE LESSON
2.
How are we to receive the actu-
ality of Christ's saving power? Eph.
2:8, 13; Rom. 3:24, 28.
Introduction
Faith and Redemption:
In the study of
the power of the blood of Jesus we have
learned what was accomplished on the cross
in saving lost sinners and in perfecting the
saints. The redemption, the justification, the
cleansing, and the sanctification that the
blood made possible have come within our
understanding. But we ask, and will at-
tempt in this lesson to answer, the ques-
tion, "How are we to take hold of and ac-
cept the proffered gifts ?" Immediately
the word "faith" leaps into our mind, sug-
gesting the one means and method whereby
we may be brought into the redemptive
power and experience which the blood so
freely offers. This will necessitate in this
lesson a study of faith in relation to the
saving power of the blood and the part
that faith plays in making the experiences
real as set forth in previous lessons.
Saved Through Faith
1. Who is the author of faith?
Through what experience did He at-
tain this title? As a result, what posi-
tion does He occupy? Heb. 12:2; 1:3;
Mark 14:62.
NOTE.—"Through the merits of Christ,
through His righteousness, which by faith
is imputed unto us, we are to attain to the
perfection of Christian character. Our
daily and hourly work is set forth in the
words of the apostle: 'Looking unto Jesus
the author and finisher of our faith.'
While doing this our minds become clearer
and our faith stronger, and our hope is
confirmed; we are so engrossed with the
view of His purity and loveliness, and the
sacrifice He has made to bring us into
agreement with God, that we have no dis-
position to speak of doubts and discourage-
ments."—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 744.
NOTE.—"That simple faith which takes
God at His word should be encouraged.
God's people must have that faith which
will lay hold of divine power; 'for by grace
are ye saved through faith; and that not
of yourselves: it is the gift of God.' Those
who believe that God for Christ's sake has
forgiven their sins, should not, through
temptation, fail to press on to fight the
good fight of faith. Their faith should
grow stronger until their Christian life, as
well as their words, shall declare, 'The
blood of Jesus Christ . . . cleanseth us
from all sin.'
"—Gospel Workers,
page 161.
Steps in the Life of Faith
3.
What is the first step toward a
saving faith? How thoroughly should
a Christian be established in this
knowledge? Rom. 10:17; Col. 1:23;
2:7.
NoTE.—First of all, knowledge is neces-
sary. We "must believe that He is." There
can be no faith unless we take Him at His
word and believe that the blood of Jesus
cleanseth us from all sin. We must indi-
vidually believe that His life on earth and
death on Calvary are not only factually
true, but that on the cross Jesus actually
died for
each
of us. I must believe that He
suffered there for my sins, that He was
wounded for my transgressions and was
bruised for my iniquities and that with His
stripes / am ' healed. Only when such
knowledge overwhelms us in all its reality
can we go on into an experience of salva-
tion through faith.
[ 29 1
FAITH SEES BEYOND MANS FAILURE
TO GOD'S ETERNAL HOME.
4.
Besides knowledge, what is an-
other requisite to a living faith? How
will it be manifested? What will be
its fruitage? 1 John 4:7-12.
5.
When love fills the heart, what
will be our attitude toward God's re-
quirements and standards? John 14:
21; Isa. 1:19; Ps. 110:3.
NorE.—All will be on the altar. We will
be willing and anxious to find and follow
His way. "But what do we give up, when
we give all?—A sin-polluted heart, for Je-
sus to purify, to cleanse by His own blood,
and to save by His matchless love. And
yet men think it hard to give up all! I am
ashamed to hear it spoken of, ashamed to
write
it."—Steps to Christ,
page 50.
6.
What experience will faith
then claim? How will the child of
God stand in His sight? 1 John 5:4;
Rom. 8:1-4.
Companions of Faith
7.
What must accompany faith if
we expect to have victory? 1 Cor. 16:
13; Eph. 6:10; Joshua 1:9.
NoTE.—"Let the brethren in responsible
positions talk faith and courage to the
workers. Cast your net on the right side
of the ship, the side of
faith."—Testimonies,
vol. 7,
p. 213.
"Christian life . . . does not consist
wholly in gentleness, patience, meekness,
and kindliness. These graces are essential;
but there is need also of courage, force,
energy, and perseverance."—The
Ministry
of Healing,
page 497.
8.
What example and counsel is
given concerning humility? What
will be the result? Phil. 2:5-8, 14, 15;
Matt. 11:28-30.
NOTE.—"Let
the proud spirit bow in hu-
miliation. Let the hard heart be broken.
No longer pet and pity and exalt self.
Look, oh look upon Him whom our sins
have pierced. See Him descending step
by step the path of humiliation to lift us
up; abasing Himself till He could go no
lower, and all to save us who were fallen
by sin! Why will we be so indifferent, so
cold, so formal, so proud, so self-suffi-
cient?"—Testimonies,
vol. 5,
p. 17.
9.
What is the test of faith? How
is faith made perfect? 1 John 2:3; 5:2,
3; James 2:17, 20-22.
NOTE.—"Instead
of releasing man from
obedience, it is faith, and faith only, that
makes us partakers of the grace of Christ,
which enables us to render obedience."—
Steps to Christ,
page 65.
10.
What counsel is given concern-
ing prayer? What kind of prayer is
effectual? John 16:23, 24; Col. 4:2, 3;
James 5:15, 16.
NoTE.—"Take time to pray, and as you
pray, believe that God hears you. Have
faith mixed with your prayers. You may
[
30]
not at all times feel the immediate answer;
but then it is that faith is tried. You are
proved to see whether you will trust in
God, whether you have living, abiding
faith. . . . Walk the narrow plank of faith.
Trust all on the promises of the Lord.
Trust God in darkness. That is the time
to have
faith."—Testimonies, vol.
1, p. 167.
Hindrances to Faith
11.
What attitude on the part of
the scribes was a hindrance to spirit-
ual progress? What is the result of
vain reasoning? Mark 2:6-9; Rom. 1:
21-23.
12.
From what sin did the psalm-
ist pray to be free? What would be
the result? With what other sin is
presumption associated? Ps. 19:13;
2 Peter 2:10.
NOTE.—"But faith is in no sense allied to
presumption. Only he who has true faith
is secure against presumption. For pre-
sumption is Satan's counterfeit of faith.
Faith claims God's promises, and brings
forth fruit in obedience. Presumption also
claims the promises, but uses them as Satan
did, to excuse transgression."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 126.
Experience of the Remnant
13.
What characteristics will those
possess who are waiting for the com-
ing of the Lord? Heb. 10:35-39; Rev.
14:12.
NOTE.—"That this admonition (Heb. 10:
35-391 is addressed to the church in the last
days is evident from the words pointing to
the nearness of the Lord's coming. . . .
The instruction here given is especially
adapted to the experience of Adventists at
this time. The people here addressed were
in danger of making shipwreck of faith.
They had done the will of God in following
the guidance of His Spirit and His word;
yet they could not understand His purpose
in their past experience, nor could they
discern the pathway before them, and they
were tempted to doubt whether God had
indeed been leading them. . . . As the
bright light of the 'midnight cry' had shone
upon their pathway, and they had seen the
prophecies unsealed, and the rapidly ful-
filling signs telling that the coming of
Christ was near, they had walked, as it
were, by sight. But now, bowed down by
disappointed hopes, they could stand only
by faith in God and in His word. . . .
Their only safe course was to cherish the
light which they had already received of
God, hold fast to His promises, and con-
tinue to search the Scriptures, and pa-
tiently wait and watch to receive further
light."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 408
(1950 ed., p. 401).
Lesson 9, for August 29, 1953
Victory and Fellowship Through the Blood
MEMORY VERSE:
"They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the
word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." Rev.
12:11.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," chapters 1 and 3; "The Desire of Ages,"
pages 758-764; "The Great Controversy," chapter 39.
[
311
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Following the outline, survey the
entire lesson.
2.
Key Words; Introduction; Ques.
1-4.
3.
Ques. 5-8.
4.
Ques. 9-13.
5.
Read "Patriarchs and Prophets,"
chapters
1
and 3.
6.
Read "The Desire of Ages," pages
758-764, and "The Great Contro-
versy," chapter 39.
7.
Review the entire lesson.
Introduction
Victory Assured Through Victory of the
Cross:
Since the creation of man there has
been a mighty conflict for the possession of
' mankind. The old serpent, the devil, led
man astray, was determined to keep him
captive. Man's only hope was in the "seed
of the woman." But when the promised
Seed "came, Satan seemed to triumph. He
slew the Saviour on the cross, locked Him
in the tomb, and determined to hold Him
captive. Here Satan overstepped himself,
for by bringing about the death of the
"Lord of life," Satan permitted his prison
house to be entered by the One who alone
could break open its gates and set the cap-
Lesson Outline:
Introduction: Victory Assured to God's
People as a Result of the Victory of
the Cross
I. The Conflict of the Ages
1.
Started in heaven, Satan cast out.
2.
Transferred to earth, sin and death
result.
3.
Promise of a Saviour.
4.
Victory won on the cross.
II Overcoming Power
1.
Promises of God's defense for
righteous.
2.
Satan's wrath turned against
remnant.
3.
Victory possible through Christ.
4.
Satan overcome by the blood
of
the Lamb.
III. Fellowship Through Suffering
1. Brought nigh to God through
the
blood of Christ.
2.
Believers in Christ to experience
suffering.
3.
Glorious triumph with Christ.
Conclusion: Victory in Christ
Key Words:
1.
Victory.
A
victor is one who is win-
ner in a contest and who defeats the enemy
in battle. Christ was victor over Satan in
His life on earth, in Gethsemane, and on
the cross. Through Him, victory is prom-
ised to His trusting, believing children. Vic-
tory is overcoming sin by claiming God's
promises, and by faith living His life
through the indwelling of the Spirit.
2.
Fellowship.
A
beautiful Christian
experience is here presented in the com-
panionship and partnership that a Chris-
tian experiences with his Master; also the
comradeship and friendly intercourse that
is experienced by fellow Christians who
have a common allegiance to their Master.
THE LESSON
tives free. That holy moment when Christ
died on Calvary and consented to enter the
tomb was the victory hour of the universe.
"Through death He might destroy him that
had the power of death, that is, the devil."
Heb. 2:14. Thus through the blood shed
on the cross, and His resurrection from the
grave, the Saviour is able to deliver those
"who through fear of death were all their
lifetime subject to bondage." Verse 15.
The Conflict of the Ages
1.
Where did the great conflict of
the ages start? Who were the con-
testants? What was the result? Rev.
12:7-9.
32
2.
How was the conflict introduced
into the earth? What were its tragic
consequences? Gen. 3:1-7, 16-19, 23,
24.
3.
In the hour of seeming defeat
and hopelessness, what words gave
promise of redemption? What was
the purpose of God in giving the
promised Seed to lost men? Gen. 3:
15; John 3:16; 2 Cor. 5:19.
NOTE.—"When Satan was thrust out of
heaven, he determined to make the earth
his kingdom. When he tempted and over-
came Adam and Eve, he thought that he
had gained possession of this world; 'be-
cause,' said he, 'they have chosen me as
their ruler.' He claimed that it was impos-
sible that forgiveness should be granted to
the sinner, and' therefore the fallen race
were his rightful subjects, and the world
was his. But God gave His own dear Son
—one equal with Himself—to bear the
penalty of transgression, and thus He pro-
vided a way by which they might be re-
stored to His favor, and brought back to
their Eden home. Christ undertook to re-
deem man, and to rescue the world from
the grasp of Satan. The great controversy
begun in heaven was to be decided in the
very world, on the very same field, that Sa-
tan claimed as
his."—Patriarchs and Proph-
ets,
page 69.
4.
With what words and under
what circumstances did Christ de-
clare that victory was assured? What
are the results of that victory? John
19:30; Rev. 12:10.
NOTE.—"Christ did not yield up His life
till He had accomplished the work which
He came to do, and with His parting
breath He exclaimed, 'It is finished.' John
19:30. The battle had been won. His right
hand and His holy arm had gotten Him the
victory. As a Conqueror He planted His
banner on the eternal heights. Was there
not joy among the angels? All heaven tri-
umphed in the Saviour's victory. Satan
was defeated, and knew that his kingdom
was lost."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 758.
Overcoming Power
5.
Upon what promises will the
righteous trust when the perils of the
last days threaten their very lives? Ps.
91:1-10.
NOTE.—"Could men see with heavenly
vision, they would behold companies of
angels that excel in strength stationed about
those who have kept the word of Christ's
patience. With sympathizing tenderness,
angels have witnessed their distress, and
have heard their prayers. They are waiting
the word of their Commander to snatch
them from their peril. But they must wait
yet a little longer."—The
Great Contro-
versy,
p. 630 (1950 ed., p. 622).
6.
Upon what people will the en-
emy especially make war? What two
cherished doctrines seem to be the
object of his wrath? Rev. 12:17; 14:
12.
7.
As a result of Christ's victory
how may we overcome the enemy?
Rev. 12:11; Rom. 8:37.
8.
Is victory over sin possible in
this world? How may it be ours?
1 Cor. 15:57; 1 John 5:4.
NoTE.—"This work [victory over sin]
can be accomplished only through faith in
Christ, by the power of the indwelling
Spirit of God. . . . The Christian will feel
the promptings of sin, but he will main-
tain a constant warfare against it. Here is
where Christ's help is needed. Human
weakness becomes united to divine strength,
and faith exclaims, 'Thanks be to God,
which giveth us the victory through our
Lord Jesus Christ.'
"—The Great Contro-
versy,
pp. 469, 470 (1950 ed., pp. 464, 465).
[ 33 ]
FEAR NOT; THE VICTORY WAS WON ON THE
CROSS
OF CALVARY.
Fellowship Through Suffering
9.
How are those who were stran-
gers to God brought into His fellow-
ship? Eph. 2:12, 13.
10.
What may the believer in
Christ expect if
he
follows in the
footsteps of the Master? 1 Peter 4:
12-14; Phil. 1:29.
11.
What experiences both here
and hereafter are promised the "joint
heirs with Christ"? Rom. 8:16-18.
Nora.—"God
never leads His children
otherwise than they would choose to be
led, if they could
see
the end from the be-
ginning, and discern the glory of the pur-
pose which they are fulfilling as co-workers
with Him. . . . 'Unto you it is given in
the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on
Him, but also to suffer for His sake.' Phil.
1:29. And of all the gifts that Heaven can
bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ
in His sufferings is the most weighty trust
and the highest honor."—The
Desire of
Ages,
p.
225
(1940 ed. pp. 224, 225).
Victory in Christ
12.
What does the apostle say can-
not separate us from the Lord? Rom.
8:35-39.
13.
What glorious picture is pre-
sented of the future of those who
have had fellowship with Christ in
His sufferings? Rev. 7:13-17.
Lesson 10, for September 5, 1953
Service Through the Blood
MEMORY VERSE: "How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the
eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience
from dead works to serve the living God?" Heb. 9:14.
STUDY HELPS: "The Ministry of Healing," pages161-169; 500-502; "Christ's Object
Lessons," pp. 402-404, 282, 283 (new ed., pp. 410-413, 284, 285).
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Following the outline, survey the
5. Ques. 11-13.
entire lesson.
6. Read selections from the Study
2.
Key Words; Introduction; Ques. 1-3.
Helps.
3.
Ques. 4-7.
7. Review the entire lesson.
4.
Ques. 8-10.
[34]
Lesson Outline:
Introduction: Responsibility "to Serve
the Living God."
I. Dwelling in God's Presence
1.
Priestly duties of Christians.
2.
Sanctification for service.
3.
Made possible through the blood
of Jesus.
II. Paths of Service
1.
Conscience purged to open paths of
service.
2.
Profession alone will not prepare
for the kingdom.
3.
Christ's example in service.
III.
Intercessory Prayer
1.
Prayer an avenue of effective serv-
ice.
2.
Christ's example in fervent prayer.
3.
Assurance of answered prayer.
IV. Reward of Faithful Service
1.
Promise to faithful stewards.
2.
Teachers and workers to be re-
warded.
Key Words:
1.
Serve.
This word has come down
to us from the Latin
servire,
which means
"be a servant or slave," or from the form
servare,
"to protect or preserve." In its
present usages in English it has over a
score of meanings, with little of the orig-
inal remaining.
In the Scriptures the idea is that the serv-
ice expected from a bondservant or slave
is definitely the service expected of a Chris-
tian. However, the bondage is not one of
compulsion or servitude, but of love. Paul
said he was a slave of the Lord Jesus, but
his slavery was voluntary, his obedience a
joy. Such service makes the slave a
friend, yes, more than a friend, a son loved
of His Father and obedient to Him.
2.
Intercessory.
As applied to prayer
this word refers to the act of interceding
with God on behalf of some person who is
a stranger to God's love. It carries the
thought of interposing between parties who
are at variance, with a view to reconcilia-
tion. It is a type of service open to all
who know' how to pray.
THE LESSON
will perform every duty as unto God. His
one desire will be that Christ may receive
homage and perfect service."—The
Ministry
of Healing,
page 502.
Dwelling in God's Presence
1.
To what high position has the
Lord called us? What responsibility
does this carry? 1 Peter 2:5, 9.
NoTE.—In the New Testament, true
Christians are called a "holy priesthood."
Why? Because we have direct access to
Christ by faith, and daily can offer Him
the sacrifices of praise and intercession.
Christ, in order to become our High Priest,
offered up Himself for our sins. This we
cannot do, but there are other priestly du-
ties that are both a duty and a privilege
which we may perform. These are the
"spiritual sacrifices" which are well pleas-
[
35
]
Introduction
Responsibility "to Serve the Living
God":
"In the life of Christ, everything
was made subordinate to His work, the
great work of redemption which He came
to accomplish. And the same devotion, the
same self-denial and sacrifice, the same
subjection to the claims of the word of
God, is to be manifest in His disciples.
"Everyone who accepts Christ as his
personal Saviour will long for the privilege
of serving God. Contemplating what heaven
has done for him, his heart is moved with
boundless love and adoring gratitude. He
is eager to signalize his gratitude by devot-
ing his abilities to God's service. He longs
to show his love for Christ and for His
purchased possession. He covets toil, hard-
ship, sacrifice.
"The true worker for God will do his
best, because in so doing he can glorify his
Master. He will do right in order to re-
gard the requirements of God. He will en-
deavor to improve all his faculties. He
ing in His sight. In type they were per-
formed by the priests under the old dis-
pensation. The incense, representing the
sincere prayers of God's people, the thank
offerings, the burning lamps, the shew-
bread, the wave sheaf, and many other
services represented the spiritual life of the
people, all of which we, as priests, may now
offer to the Lord continually in this our
body which "is the temple of the Holy
Ghost."
2.
What does He expect of His fol-
lowers as priests of the Lord? Lev.
10:3; Isa. 52:11.
NOTE.—The priests in ancient times
were set apart for holy service. They were
thus a sanctified people called upon to
serve God completely, giving their time
and energy to the service of the temple.
This is true today of all those who profess
the name of Christ, and especially so of
those who "bear the vessels of the Lord"
in active service in the cause.
3.
How is this sanctification made
possible? What admonition is given
to those who enter into this experi-
ence? Heb. 10:10, 19, 22, 23.
NoTE.—Let no one think that the full
blessing of such an experience is not for
him, or that such a life is too high for
him. There is power in the blood. We
have the assurance that as we "draw near
with a true heart in full assurance of
faith," our hearts will be purified in Him.
By word and example these blessings will
flow out to others in a life-giving stream
from the cross as we minister before Him
as priests of the Lord.
Paths of Service
4.
In what specific ways does the
blood of Christ minister for us? Heb.
9:14.
5.
Who, does the Lord say, will
enter into the kingdom? How may
GOD
HAS
PROMISED TO TURN
OUR
CAPTIVITY WHEN WE PRAY
Kw,.
FOR OUR FRIENDS.
we receive His divine blessing? Matt.
25:34-40; 24:46. See Isa. 58:7, 8.
NorE.—"Those who realize, even in a
limited degree, what redemption means to
them and to their fellow men, will walk by
faith and will comprehend in some measure
the vast needs of humanity. Their hearts
will be moved to compassion as they- see
the widespread destitution in our world—
the destitution of the multitudes who are
suffering for food and clothing, and the
moral destitution of thousands who are un-
der the shadow of a terrible doom, in com-
parison with which physical suffering
fades into nothingness."—Testimonies, vol.
9, p. 47.
6.
What parable illustrates our
responsibility to our neighbors?
Who, then, is our neighbor? Luke 10:
29-37.
7.
What example has the Lord
given us? Where will His steps lead?
1 Peter 2:21; Matt. 11:5.
NorE.—"We need not go to Nazareth, to
Capernaum, or to Bethany, in order to
walk in the steps of Jesus. We shall find
[36
]
His footprints beside the sickbed, in the
hovels of poverty, in the crowded alleys of
the great cities, and in every place where
there are human hearts in need of consola-
tion."—The
Ministry of Healing,
pages 105,
106.
Intercessory Prayer
8.
What avenue of effectual serv-
ice does God open to all? For whom
are we to pray? James 5:16, 14, 15;
Eph. 6:18; 1 Tim. 2:1, 2.
NorE.—"Why do not believers feel a
deeper, more earnest concern for those who
are out of Christ? Why do not two or
three meet together and plead with God for
the salvation of some special one, and
then for still another? . . . Let them seek
to gather souls from the corruption of the
world into the saving purity of Christ's
love."—Testimonies, vol.
7, p. 21.
9.
What example was given by
Christ of intercessory prayer? John
17:9, 15, 17, 20, 21.
10.
What assurance does the Mas-
ter give that our prayers will be an-
swered? Matt. 7:7; 21:22; John 14:13.
Reward of Faithful Service
11.
What does the Lord promise
those who have been faithful stew-
ards of His entrusted talents? Matt.
25:21.
NOTE.—"The Lord has a great work to
be done, and He will bequeath the most in
the future life to those who do the most
faithful, willing service in the present life."
—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 330.
12.
Of how small a service does
the Lord take notice? Who will re-
pay such kindness? Matt. 10:42; Prov.
19:17.
NorE.—"God reads every thought. He
notes every action. Everything done with
sincere purpose for the advancement of His
work will be blessed by Him. The two
mites, the cup of cold water, presented
in sympathy and love, will be made effec-
tive in doing good here and will bring a
reward
hereafter."—Testimonies,
vol. 6, p.
103.
-
13.
To those who in this life serve
faithfully as teachers and workers,
what has the Lord promised? Dan.
12:3, margin.
Lesson 11, for September 12, 1953
Christ's Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary
MEMORY VERSE:
"Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest
by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which He hath consecrated
for us." Heb. 10:19, 20.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," chapters 24 and 28; "Testimonies,"
vol. 4,
pp. 384-387.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT,
1.
Following the outline, survey the
5. Ques. 11-14; finish reading chapter
entire lesson.
24 of "The Great Controversy."
2.
Key Words; Introduction; Ques. 1, 2.
6. Read chapter 28 of "The Great Con-
3.
Ques. 3-7.
troversy," and "Testimonies," vol.
4.
Ques. 8-10; read from "The Great
4, pp. 384-387.
Controversy," chapter 24.
7. Review the entire lesson.
[ 37 ]
Lesson Outline:
Introduction: Our High Priest
I. Christ's Ministry in the Sanctuary
1.
Began after ascension, first in outer
apartment.
2.
Consists of intercession and pre-
senting His blood on behalf of
sinners.
II. "The Hour of His Judgment," in In-
ner Apartment
1.
Began at end of 2300 days.
2.
The records of heaven examined.
3.
The judgment scene.
4.
The standard of the judgment.
III. Our Advocate
1.
Christ's work in the judgment.
2.
Entries made in books of heaven.
3.
Assurance to overcomers through
the blood.
IV. The New and Living Way
1.
The atoning sacrifice opened up a
new and living way.
2.
The complete eradication of sin.
3.
The final decree marking close of
human probation.
Conclusion: The End of the Judgment
Key Words:
1.
High priest.
In the old dispensation
the representative of the nation before
Jehovah was called "high priest." He had
specific duties, wore the holy garments,
and was qualified to perform any and all
priestly functions. At first the priest served
for life. The high priest was in a special
sense the representative of Christ and was
a type of Christ and His ministry in the
heavenly sanctuary. After Christ's ascen-
sion, our Lord began His ministry in
heaven as High Priest of our profession,
offering His own blood as an atonement for
sin, thus bringing to an end the earthly
sanctuary services and the tenure of the
Aaronic priesthood.
2.
Judgment.
This word, applied or-
dinarily to civil judicial procedures, also
refers to decisions reached in the courts of
heaven which shall be final, and shall ex-
press the infinite decision of the divine
Judge whose omniscience makes the deci-
sions both just and true. There will be
two judgments in heaven: the first an in-
vestigative session to determine who shall
be granted an entrance into heaven, and the
second to determine the just punishment
which shall be meted out to the wicked in
the executive judgment.
THE LESSON
though they had never sinned, sealed for
heaven, through the blood of the Lamb.
Christ in the Sanctuary
1.
After His resurrection and as-
cension what work did Christ under-
take for His people? Rom. 8:34; Heb.
9:24; Acts 2:32, 33.
2.
Where was Christ's ministry for
His people performed? What was
there presented and what did it ac-
complish for us? Heb. 6:19, 20; 9:12.
NOTE.—"It was the work of the priest in
the daily ministration to present before
God the blood of the sin offering, also the
[ 38 ]
Introduction
Our High Priest:
When Christ ascended
after His passion, He "sat down on the
right hand of the Majesty on high," there
to serve in the heavenly sanctuary as our
High Priest. This service was possible only
as He should "have somewhat also to of-
fer," even His precious blood. In this les-
son the work of Christ as High Priest will
be presented as He ministers in the pres-
ence of the Father before the throne.
The Saviour's ministry in heaven is di-
vided into two parts—that in the first
apartment of the heavenly sanctuary as our
Mediator, and later in the second apart-
ment as our Advocate in the judgment
hour. His blood plays an important part
in His ministry in both apartments, and
through its power sin will be first forgiven
and then blotted out. His people will then
stand faultless in His presence just as
BOOKS
of
HEAVEN
WHEN WE TRULY REPENT OF OUR SINS,
THEY WILL ALL BE BLOTTED OUT OF
ME BOOK OF HEAVEN.
incense which ascended with the prayers
of Israel. So did Christ plead His blood
before the Father in behalf of sinners, and
present before Him also, with the precious
fragrance of His own righteousness, the
prayers of penitent believers. . . .
"For eighteen centuries this work of
ministration continued in the first apart-
ment of the sanctuary. The blood of
Christ, pleaded in behalf of penitent be-
lievers, secured their pardon and acceptance
with the Father, yet their sins still re-
mained upon the books of record."—The
Great Controversy,
pp. 420, 421 (1950 ed.,
p. 415).
"The Hour of His Judgment"
3. When does the prophet say that
the work of cleansing the sanctuary
was to begin? What is this called?
Dan. 8:14; Rev. 14:7.
NOTE.—"As in the typical service there
was a work of atonement at the dose of
the year, so before Christ's work for the
redemption of man is completed, there is
a work of atonement for the removal of
sin from the sanctuary. This is the service
which began when the 2300 days ended.
At that time, as foretold by Daniel the
prophet, our High Priest entered the most
holy, to perform the last division of His
solemn work,—to cleanse the sanctuary."
—The Great Controversy,
p. 421 (1950 ed.,
p. 415).
4.
How does Daniel describe the
scene as the investigative judgment
opens in heaven? What records will
be examined? Dan. 7:9, 10.
5.
How is Christ's coming to the
Ancient of Days in the judgment de-
scribed? What will be received by
Christ during the judgment? Dan.
7:13, 14.
NorE.—"The coming of Christ here de-
scribed is not His second coming to the
earth. He comes to the Ancient of Days in
heaven to receive dominion, and glory, and
a kingdom, which will be given Him at the
close of His work as a mediator. It is this
coming, and not His second advent to the
earth, that was foretold in prophecy to take
place at the termination of the 2300 days
in 1844. Attended by heavenly angels, our
great High Priest enters the holy of holies,
and there appears in the presence of God,
to engage in the last acts of His ministra-
tion in behalf of man,—to perform the
work of investigative judgment, and to
make an atonement for all who are shown
to be entitled to its benefits."—The
Great
Controversy,
p. 480 (1950 ed., pp. 473-475).
6.
What are the different books of
record in heaven? What use is made
of these books in the judgment? Rev.
20:12; Mal. 3:16; Matt. 12:36; 1 Cor.
4:5.
7.
What is the standard by which
men will be tested in the judgment?
Eccl. 12:13, 14; James 2:12.
Our Advocate
8.
Who represents repentant sin-
ners at the judgment bar? What
ministry does He perform in their be-
half? 1 John 2:1, 2; Heb. 7:25; 1 Tim.
2:5, 6.
39
9.
When sins are unconfessed and
unforgiven, what becomes of the
names once entered in the book of
life? Ex. 32:33; Ezek. 18:24; Jer.
17:10.
NOTE.—"Beginning with those who first
lived upon the earth, our Advocate pre-
sents the cases of each successive genera-
tion, and closes with the living. Every name
is mentioned, every case closely investi-
gated. Names are accepted, names rejected.
When any have sins remaining upon the
books of record, unrepented of and unfor-
given, their names will be blotted out of
the book of life, and the record of their
good deeds will be erased from the book
of God's remembrance."—The
Great Con-
troversy,
p. 483 (1950 ed., p. 477).
10.
What blessed assurance is given
concerning those who have overcome
sin? How will their cases be treated
in the judgment? Isa. 43:25; Rev. 3:
5; Matt. 10:32, 33.
The New and Living Way
11.
What atoning sacrifice has
opened up a new and living way for
the righteous? What will it bring,
however, to those who have despised
its grace? Heb. 10:19, 20, 29-31.
NorE.—"The divine Intercessor presents
the plea that all who have overcome
through faith in His blood be forgiven their
transgressions, that they be restored to their
Eden home, and crowned as joint heirs
with Himself to the 'first dominion.'.
"—
The Great Controversy,
p. 484 (1950 ed.,
p.
478).
12.
How completely will sin be
eradicated from the hearts of the
righteous? How shall they stand be-
fore God? Jer. 50:20; Jude 24.
The End of the Judgment
13.
What decree will mark the
close of the investigative judgment?
Can we know when this decree will
be issued? Rev. 22:11, 12; Mark 13:33.
14.
In view of the solemnity of
this hour, what urgent counsel does
the Saviour give to His waiting peo-
ple? Mark 13:35-37; Matt. 24:44.
NOTE.—"Perilous is the condition
of
those who, growing weary of their watch,
turn to the attractions of the world. While
the man of business is absorbed in the
pursuit of gain, while the pleasure lover is
seeking indulgence, while the daughter of
fashion is arranging her adornments,—it
may be in that hour the Judge of all the
earth will pronounce the sentence, 'Thou
art weighed in the balances, and art found
wanting.'
"—The Great Controversy,
p.
491
(1950 ed., p. 485).
Lesson 12, for September 19, 1953
The Executive Judgment With No Atoning Blood
MEMORY VERSE: "Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be
thought worthy, who hath trodden underfoot the Son of God, and hath
counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy
thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?" Heb. 10:29.
STUDY HELP: "The Great Controversy," chapter 42.
[ 40 ]
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Following the outline, survey the
5. Ques. 13, 14; begin reading chap-
entire lesson.
ter 42 of "The Great Controversy."
2.
Key Words; Introduction; Ques. 1, 2.
6. Finish reading chapter 42 of "The
3.
Ques. 3-8.
Great Controversy."
4.
Ques. 9-12.
7. Review the entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction: Mercy Only Through
Atoning Blood
I. Wicked Destroyed
1.
The first destruction of the wicked.
2.
Satan during the 1,000 years.
3.
The scapegoat in the sanctuary
service, a type of Satan.
II. Judgment of the Wicked
1.
Righteous to assist.,
2.
Guilt of the wicked.
3.
Justice without mercy.
4.
The Executor of the judgment.
5.
The basis of judgment.
III. Nations Stand at Judgment Bar
1.
Nations as well as individuals have
an account in the judgment.
2.
All kingdoms and dominions given
to Christ.
Conclusion: Sins Sent Beforehand to
Judgment
Key Words:
1.
Retributive justice.
In the judg-
ment of the wicked there will be no mercy,
but justice will be meted out and the deci-
sions will be made and punishment deter-
mined according to the deserts of the
individual. Retribution is literally to pay
again or to reward justly for services. The
wicked will be justly rewarded for their
sins, and the wages of sin is death.
2.
Millennium.
This word is not found
in the Bible. It is a Latin word which
means a thousand years. It refers specifi-
cally to the thousand years mentioned in
Revelation 20, during which time Satan
will be bound to this earth. The wicked
will have
been
destroyed and are dead,
awaiting the second resurrection. The saints
will be in heaven, and the judgment of the
wicked will then take place. The millen-
nium is terminated by the resurrection of
the wicked, the descent of the city of, God
to this earth, and the final events in the
great controversy.
THE LESSON
men and angels, including Satan, will be
eternally settled and their
punishment de-
termined.
Introduction
Mercy Only Through Atoning Blood:
"It
is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of
the living God." Heb. 10:31. This is especi-
ally true when sin has separated one from
God, and the blood that alone could have
saved him has been spurned and rejected.
There will be no mercy in the final judg-
ment because justice and mercy can meet
only through the blood, and only when
sinners welcome and plead for its saving
grace. Those whose cases are tried in the
second judgment have no claim to mercy,
have, in fact, no desire for the sinlessness
and purity of heaven, and therefore are
judged according to their deeds recorded
in the books. It will be the work of the
saved to assist in this judgment during the
millennium, when the cases of all wicked
Wicked Destroyed
1.
At the second coming of Christ,
what will become of the righteous?
Of the wicked? Why will the Lord
bring such complete destruction? 1
Thess. 4:16, 17; Isa. 24:1-6.
2.
What will become of Satan?
What ceremony in the sanctuary serv-
ice on earth foreshadowed this event?
Lev. 16:21, 22; Rev. 20:1-3.
[ 41 ]
TE5T.,vol. 5, p. 208.
"WITH UNERRING ACCURACY
THE INFINITE ONE STILL
KEEPS AN ACCOUNT
WITH ALL NATIONS."
Judgment of the Wicked
3.
What work will the righteous
undertake in heaven? Who will be
judged by them? Dan. 7:22; Rev. 20:
4, 6; 1 Cor. 6:2.
NOTE.—"In union with Christ they [the
righteous] judge the wicked, comparing
their acts with the statute book, the Bible,
and deciding every case according to the
deeds done in the body. Then the portion
which the wicked must suffer is meted out,
according to their works; and it is re-
corded against their names in the book of
death."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 661
(1950 ed., p. 651).
4.
Of what have the wicked been
guilty? What has been their attitude
toward the atoning blood of the cove-
nant? Heb. 10:29.
5.
What attributes of God will be
manifest in the judgment hour? Will
there be any mercy or mediator in
this judgment? Heb. 10:26-28, 30, 31;
Nahum 1:2, 3; James 2:13.
6.
How do we know that the ven-
geance and indignation of God
against the wicked are not a contra-
diction of His mercy? Ex. 34:6, 7;
Ps. 145:20.
NOTE.—"God has given to men a decla-
ration of His character, and of His method
of dealing with sin. . . . The power and
authority of the divine government will be
employed to put down rebellion ; yet all
the manifestations of retributive justice
will be perfectly consistent with the charac-
ter of God as a merciful, long-suffering,
benevolent being."—The
Great Contro-
versy,
p. 541 (1950 ed., p. 535).
7.
Unto whom will be given au-
thority to execute judgment upon the
wicked, and why? John 5:22, 26, 27.
8.
How many will be judged?
Upon what basis will judgment be
rendered? Rev. 20:12, 13.
All Nations Stand at the Judg-
ment Bar
9.
Do nations as well as individu-
als have an account to render in the
judgment? Isa. 34:1, 2; Rev. 2:26, 27.
NOTE.—A
record is kept of the impieties
of nations, of families, of individuals. "With
unerring accuracy the Infinite One still
keeps an account with all nations. While
His mercy is tendered, with calls to re-
pentance, this account will remain open;
but when the figures reach a certain amount
which God has fixed, the ministry of His
wrath commences. The account •is closed.
Divine patience ceases. There i5 no more
pleading of mercy in their behalf."—Testi-
monies, vol.
5, p. 208.
10.
To whom will the kingdoms
and dominions of this world be given
in the judgment? Dan. 7:18, 26, 27.
[ 42 ]
11.
In light of the certainty of the
judgment, in which session will it be
vitally essential for our sins to ap-
pear? Rom. 14:10, 12; 1 Tim. 5:24.
NoTE.—In the investigative judgment,
Christ serves as an Intercessor, pleading
His blood on behalf of those who have con-
fessed and forsaken sin. In Him justice
and mercy meet, God's law is vindicated,
justice has been satisfied, and mercy ex-
tended through the precious blood. In the
second judgment, Christ serves as Judge.
His blood will then be of no avail, because
when it could have saved it was spurned
and despised. So, having chosen the way
of sin, lost men have only a "fearful look-
ing for of judgment and fiery indignation,
which shall devour the adversaries." Heb.
10:27. Sin must then take its course and
its just punishments be meted out that
God's law and government may stand.
12.
At the close of the millennium
what stirring events take place here
on earth? Rev. 20:7-9, 11, 12.
13.
What final retribution will be
visited upon Satan and his evil host?
Rev. 20:9 (last part), 10, 13-15; Mal.
4:1, 3.
NOTE.—"Fire
comes down from God out
of heaven. The earth is broken up. The
weapons concealed in its depths are drawn
forth. Devouring flames burst from every
yawning chasm. The very rocks are on
fire. The day has come that shall burn as
an oven. The elements melt with fervent
heat, the earth also, and the works that
are therein are burned
up."—The Great
Controversy,
p. 672 (1950 ed., p. 662).
Sins Sent Beforehand to Judgment
14.
While probation's hour lin-
gers, what divine and loving appeal
is made to the transgressor? How
does God regard the death or destruc-
tion of the wicked? Ezek. 18:31, 32.
Lesson 13, for September 26, 1953
Heavenly Joy Through the Blood
MEMORY VERSE:
"And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are
these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I
said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which
came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them
white in the blood of the Lamb." Rev. 7:13, 14.
LESSON HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," chapter 40, last two pages; chapter 41,
last four pages; "Education," pages 301-309.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
Following the outline, survey the
entire lesson.
2.
Key Word; Introduction; Ques. 1-4.
3.
Ques. 5-8.
4.
Ques. 9, 10; read last two pages of
chapter 40, "The Great Contro-
versy."
5.
Ques. 11-13.
6.
Read last four pages of chapter
41,
"The Great Controversy," and
"Education," pp. 301-309.
7.
Review the entire lesson.
[431
Lesson Outline:
Introduction: The Right to Heaven's
Joys
I. New Heaven and New Earth
1.
Saints inherit kingdom through pur-
chase of Christ.
2.
God's original purpose in creation
will be accomplished.
3.
Our comprehension of heaven very
limited.
4.
Heaven will be a place of joy and
useful occupations.
II. The Science and Song of Heaven
1.
The central theme is Christ's vic-
tory on the cross.
2.
Avenues of study include exceeding
richness of His grace.
3.
Mystery of redemption the science
of heaven.
III. The Hiding of Christ's Power
1.
Only the wounds in Christ's hands
and side remain as reminders of
sin, and there is the hiding of His
power.
2.
Saints robed in garments pure, made
white in the blood of the Lamb.
IV. The Unfathomable Love and Su-
preme Power of Christ
1.
Admonished to try to comprehend
the love of Christ that passeth
knowledge.
2.
The promised redemption cometh
quickly; watch and be ready.
Conclusion: Ascription of Glory and
Honor to Christ
Key Word:
"Mystery."
This word is used in the
Bible of both godliness and iniquity. Mys-
teries are of two kinds. The first comes to
us by revelation from God, and they be-
come known and understood only as the
Spirit of God reveals them to us. Such, for
example, are the resurrection from the
dead, redemption through the blood of
Christ, the kingdom of heaven, and the joy
of the redeemed, the story of sin and its
outcome. Another kind of mystery, even
when revealed to us, cannot be compre-
hended as to the manner and means of
their accomplishment. Of such are the
doctrine of the trinity, the incarnation of
the Son of God, the new birth, et cetera.
These mysteries will offer a wide field of
study for the saints throughout eternity.
THE LESSON
Introduction
The Right to Heaven's Joys:
In this les-
son we will observe how the blood of
Christ entitles the redeemed to a place in
heaven, makes them fit to enjoy the pleas-
ures and occupations of heaven, and pro-
vides the subject matter for the songs and
praise of heaven. It will be the science and
the song of the redeemed throughout eter-
nity. The love which prompted such a
priceless gift will be an inexhaustible
theme, and will through endless ages pre-
sent ever new aspects for study and medita-
tion. Sin will be no more. There will be
nothing in any part of the universe to re-
mind the saved of its tragic history save
the wounds of the nails in the hands of the
Saviour, and the light that beams from
His pierced side. These will keep ever
fresh in our memory the wondrous gift of
His love on Calvary. The lost dominion
will be restored, the glory of the earth
made new will surpass the beauties of
Eden, and all this will be ours to enjoy
throughout eternity through the redemp-
tion that is in Christ Jesus; "for Thou
wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by
Thy blood of every kindred, and tongue,
and people, and nation." Rev. 5:9.
New Heaven and Earth
1.
What did the prophet see after
the complete destruction of this sin-
cursed earth? Rev. 21:1, 6, 7.
2.
How will God's purpose in cre-
ating the world be fulfilled? Isa. 45:
18; Ps. 37:29; Micah 4:8.
[ 44
NoTE.—"God created the earth to be the
abode of holy, happy beings. . . . That
purpose will be fulfilled, when, renewed by
the power of God, and freed from sin and
sorrow, it shall become the eternal abode
of .the redeemed. . . . 'And there shall be
no more curse ; but the throne of God and
of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants
shall serve Him.'
"—Patriarchs and Proph-
ets,
page 67.
3.
What is said concerning the
limited understanding that we now
have concerning the reward of the
righteous? 1 Cor. 2:9; Isa. 64:4.
4.
What assurance do we have that
joy, gladness, and useful occupations
will
be
the experience of the saved?
Isa. 51:3; 65:19, 21, 22.
NOTE.—"There every power will be de-
veloped, every capability increased. The
grandest enterprises will be carried for-
ward, the loftiest aspirations will be reached,
the highest ambitions realized. And still
there will arise new heights to surmount,
new wonders to admire, new truths to com-
prehend, fresh objects to call forth the
powers of body and mind and soul."—
Education,
page 307.
The Science and Song of Heaven
5.
What will
be
the central theme
of the song of the redeemed? Rev.
5:9.
6.
What does God promise to re-
veal to His people in the ages to
come? Eph. 2:6, 7.
NOTE.—"And the years of eternity, as
they roll, will bring richer and still more
glorious revelations of God and of Christ.
As knowledge is progressive, so will love,
reverence, and happiness increase. The
more men learn of God, the greater will be
their admiration of His character. As Jesus
opens before them the riches of redemption,
and the amazing achievements in the great
controversy with Satan, the hearts of the
ransomed thrill with more fervent devo-
tion, and with more rapturous joy they
sweep the harps of gold; and ten thousand
times ten thousand and thousands of thou-
sands of voices unite to swell the mighty
chorus of praise."—The
Great Controversy,
p.
678 (1950 ed., p. 667).
7.
How fully will the mystery of
redemption and the "wisdom of God"
be the object
of
our study? Eph. 3:
9-11.
NOTE.—"All the treasures of the universe '
will be open to the study of God's children.
.With unutterable delight we shall enter
into the joy and the wisdom of unfallen
beings. We shall share the treasures gained
through ages upon ages spent in contem-
plation of God's handiwork. And the years
of eternity, as they roll, will continue to
bring more glorious revelations. 'Exceed-
ing abundantly above all that we ask or
think' will be, forever and forever, the im-
partation of the gifts of
God."—Education,
page 307.
8.
How definitely will the re-
deemed know each other there? 1
Cor. 13:12.
NoTE.—"As Jesus arose from the dead,
so those who sleep in Him are to rise
again. We shall know our friends, even as
the disciples knew Jesus. They may have
been deformed, diseased, or disfigured, in
this mortal life, and they rise in perfect
health and symmetry; yet in the glorified
body their identity will be perfectly pre-
served. Then shall we know even as also
we are known. 1 Cor. 13:12. In the face
radiant with the light shining from the
face of Jesus, we shall recognize the linea-
ments of those we love."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 804.
"There the redeemed greet those who led
them to the Saviour, and all unite in prais-
ing Him who died that human beings might
have the life that measures with the life
of God."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page
602.
L 45
IN THE NEW EARTH ONE REMINDER
OF SIN ALONE REMAINS: THE MARKS
OF OUR SAVIOUR'S SACRIFICE FOR 115.
The Hiding of Christ's Power
9.
What alone remains as a re-
minder of the gift of Christ's love on
Calvary? Hab. 3:4, margin; Zech.
'13:6.
NOTE.—"One reminder alone remains:
our Redeemer will ever bear the marks of
His crucifixion. Upon His wounded head,
upon His side, His hands and feet, are the
only traces of the cruel work that sin has
wrought. Says the prophet, beholding
Christ in His glory, 'He had bright beams
coming out of His side: and there was the
hiding of His power.' That pierced side
whence flowed the crimson stream that rec-
onciled man to God,—there is the Saviour's
glory, there 'the hiding of His power.'
'Mighty to save,' through the sacrifice of
redemption, He was therefore strong to
execute justice upon them that despised
God's mercy. And the tokens of His hu-
miliation are His highest honor; through
the eternal ages the wounds of Calvary will
show forth His praise, and declare His
power."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 674
(1950 ed., pp. 663, 664).
10.
Through what cleansing me-
dium are the saints robed in garments
pure and spotless? Rev. 7:9, 13, 14.
The Unfathomable Love and
Supreme Power of Christ
11.
In the light of Christ's infinite
gift, what are we admonished to do?
How fully will it meet our need?
Eph. 3:17-19.
NOTE.—"Here are revealed the heights of
attainment that we may reach through
faith in the promises of our heavenly Fa-
ther, when we fulfill His requirements.
Through the merits of Christ we have ac-
cess to the throne of Infinite Power. 'He
that spared not His own Son, but de-
livered Him up for us all, how shall He not
with Him also freely give us all things?'
The Father gave His Spirit without meas-
ure to His Son, and we also may partake
of its fullness. Jesus says: 'If ye then, be-
ing evil, know how to give good gifts unto
your children: how much more shall your
heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to
them that ask Him?' If ye shall ask any-
thing in My 'name, I will do it."Ask, and
ye shall receive, that your joy may be
full.'
"—The Great Controversy,
p. 477
(1950 ed., p. 471).
12.
What shotild be our attitude
while waiting for the fulfillment of
the promised redemption? Luke 21:
36; Rev. 3:10; 22:7, 12.
,
Ascription of Glory. and Honor
to Christ
13.
To whom alone can we at-
tribute glory and honor for the eter-
nal salvation purchased through His
blood? Jude 24, 25; Rev. 5:12, 13.
NOTE.—"Songs of triumph mingle with
the music from angel harps, till heaven
seems to overflow with joy and praise. Love
has conquered. The lost is found. Heaven
rings with voices in lofty strains proclaim-
ing, 'Blessing, and honor, and glory, and
power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the
throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and
ever.' Rev.
5:13."—The Desire of Ages,
page 835.
[ 46 I
LESSONS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1953
The general topic of the lessons for the fourth quarter is
Unity in
Christ.
The title of the first lesson is "The Lord's Supper—Its Set-
ting and Significance." The study help is
The Desire of Ages,
pages
652-661. The texts to be studied are:
Ques. 1. Luke 22:7-13.
Ques. 2. Luke 22:15.
Ques. 3. Ex. 12:3, 7, 11.
Ques. 4. Ex. 12:8.
Ques. 5. John 13:4-12.
Ques. 6. John 13:14-16.
Ques. 7. John 13:17.
Ques. 8. Matt. 26:26-28.
Ques. 9. Mark 14:26.
Ques. 10. 1 Cor. 11:23-26.
Ques. 11.1 Cor. 11:25 (last part), 26.
Ques. 12. Gal. 6:14.
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
September 26, 1953—Southern African Division
The Southern African Division will receive the Thirteenth Sabbath Offer-
ing overflow on September 26. Elder R. S. Watts, president of the division•,
writes: "We have eagerly looked forward to being the recipients of this special
offering. The previous offering overflow for the Southern African Division
was received at the end of the first quarter of 1951 and brought this division
the very welcome amount of $44,099.71, which was used to help provide new
buildings for the Cuale school in Angola, the Kasai training 'school in the
Congo, and the Malamulo hospital in Nyasaland. Again we have two very
needy and worthy projects for which the overflow at the end of this quarter •
will be used; namely, the Kendu hospital
in
East Africa, and the Yuka hospi-
tal in Barotseland.
"Several years ago the administration building for the Kendu hospital
was started, but because of lack of funds it still stands unfinished. We are
hoping the overflow this quarter will enable us not only to complete this
building, but also to erect an additional much-needed ward. Our Yuka hospi-
tal has already been started. It will be the only hospital in the western part of
Barotseland, and its influence will be felt for. many, many miles around."
[47
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